The price spiral is mainly due to a poor 2002-23 crop from above-normal temperatures in November (affecting germination) and unseasonal rains in March-April (at the time of harvesting).
The average price of this spice seed crop was Rs 18,000 in the marketing season 2021-22. However, prices have been rallying since December last year. The prices went up to Rs 25,000 on December 2 before increasing further to Rs 30,000 by December 23.