Surat : Unseasonal rains Threaten Ponk Harvest, Prices To Go Up

Surat : Surat, the renowned diamond capital of India, is also celebrated for its unique Ponk, a traditional delicacy made from immature green sorghum grains. Cultivated during the winter season, Ponk is a cherished treat for locals and visitors alike. However, this year, the unseasonal heavy rains and hailstorm have devastated the standing sorghum crop across the city, casting a shadow over the upcoming Ponk season.

The situation has left Ponk enthusiasts and farmers alike concerned. Ponk lovers may face a significant price hike, while farmers grapple with the loss of their crops.

The unseasonal rains have severely damaged the standing crop, particularly in areas like Katargam, Adajan, Bhata, Pal, and Olpad. These regions are known for their Ponk cultivation, and the destruction has caused widespread distress among the farming community.

Typically, Ponk prices range from Rs 650 to Rs 700 per kilogram. However, due to the reduced supply caused by the unseasonal rains, prices are expected to soar to over Rs 1,500 per kilogram. This substantial increase is likely to strain the pockets of Ponk enthusiasts, especially during the peak winter season when demand is at its highest.

“The green sorghum seeds used to prepare ponk is called ‘aandhri vani’. It is a winter crop and requires cold weather and heavy dew to retain the tenderness and sweet taste” says Rajesh Bhandari, whose family has been selling ponk in Adajan’s traditional ponk party since last four decades.

“The heavy rains on Sunday have destroyed the standing ponk crops in the farmfields, especially in Adajan and Bhatha villages. The crops were ready for harvest when the hailstorm and heavy rains struck on Sunday, destroying the farms. Farmers are staring at huge losses and the ponk lovers won’t be able to savour on their favourite winter delicacy” said Bhandari.

The workers lightly roast fresh sorghum stalks in open clay ovens, beat the grain and then have them softly shelled and sifted. The green ponk is then served with tangy sev with buttermilk.

Shailesh Patel, owner of the farsan shop in Adajan said, “Apart from ponk, the ponk vada (bhajia) is another delicacy of Surat. The bhajias are made using ponk and it is served hot during the winter season. The ponk vada sells for Rs 320 per kilogram, which will now go up to RS 450 per kilogram due to the shortage of quality ponk”.