Mail News Service
Saraikela: The cost of ingredients like cardamom, besan (ground gram lentil) and Sunflower oil that go into the making of the famed Saraikela Laddoos have touched new highs as a result of which confectioners of this delicacy have been forced to raise the prices of this special sweet item. The revised prices include Rs 5 � Rs 7 (per piece) of the ordinary variety and Rs 10 � Rs 12 (per piece) of the special quality. The ordinary variety of Saraikela Laddoos is now being sold between Rs 180 and Rs 200 per kilo and the special quality between Rs 230 and Rs 250.
Sukanto Kumar Sahu of Subhash Snacks and Sweets who are specialists in making Saraikela Laddoos observed, �Since the Kerala floods, prices of spices have shot up. Cardamom now costs between Rs 2,400 and Rs 3,600 a kilo, sugar between Rs 38 and Rs 40, besan between Rs 70 and Rs 80 while Sunflower oil is priced between Rs 120 and Rs 125 per liter. With the rise in prices of the basic ingredients we had no other alternative but to raise the prices. Quality of course has not been compromised with. However, the rise in price has not affected the demands. We are continuing to have healthy sales.�