Mysureans turn to fruits, jouces to beat the heat

All for quenching thirst

An early scorching summer has resulted in a steep rise in the demand for tender coconuts and other watery fruits, in the city.

The price of tender coconut has gone up to Rs 30 in some parts of the city. A few days back, tender coconut was being sold at Rs 20 to 25. As the people are becoming more health conscious, many depend on tender coconuts, buttermilk and natural fruit juices to beat the heat.

A tender coconut vendor on Hunsur Road, Ananda, says, his stock ends by the afternoon. “The people start visiting from 9 am itself. I am doing a handsome business from the last one week. As the stretch of the road is the entry point to the city, from Kodagu, Hunsur and Hassan side, a large number of people stop here to consume tender coconuts,” he said.

In addition to tender coconuts, buttermilk, Holenarsipur cucumber, fresh fruit juices and watery fruits like watermelon, muskmelon, orange, sweet lemon are also in great demand. A majority of the tea shop owners have started to prepare buttermilk to quench the thirst of the customers.

“I used to sell more than 100 cups of tea every day. But, now, people are asking either juice or buttermilk. Buttermilk and lemon juice are in great demand,” says Chandru, a tea stall owner near Hotel Airlines. Each cup of buttermilk costs Rs 8, he said.

An employee of a private firm, H S Vikas, said that he is totally dependent on fruit juices and buttermilk to quench his thirst. “As health is important, I prefer fruit juices and buttermilk rather than soft drinks. Earlier, I used to drink tea. But, due to the increase in temperatures now, I prefer buttermilk and fruit juices,” he said.

Besides, the demand for cooling systems such as air-conditioners, air-coolers and fans, has increased. A shopkeeper at Vijayanagar said that in recent days, the demand for cooling systems has been increased. “At least five people enquire about cooling systems. Compared to previous years, the demand for air-coolers is high. I sell at least one system, a day,” he said.

Soaring temperature

Mysuru city recorded 35.4 degrees Celsius on February 26, the highest temperature in February, over the last 10 years. The average temperature in the city in February is 31 degrees, but, this February, the city has recorded four degrees higher than normal.

The officials of Organic Farming Research Station, Naganahalli, had predicted that the maximum temperature will be 34 degrees Celsius and minimum will be 18 degrees. No rainfall is predicted for Tuesday and Wednesday. The sky will be clear with dry weather.