Food inflation squeezes Rayalaseema’s middle class struggle

In the rain-fed Rayalaseema districts of Andhra Pradesh, inflation has become a harsh reality that affects daily life for the average household. Food prices are rising gradually, not with one significant shock, but through a series of small increases. The staple food, rice, has risen to ₹70 per kg for the general Sonamasoori variety, accounting for a large portion of the monthly budget.

Sugar, after hitting record highs nationwide, has also contributed to the burden with a ₹25 per kg hike. Onions, a crucial ingredient in many dishes and culturally sensitive, have also started to surge, priced between ₹60-70 per kg. This has forced families to either cut back on consumption or find cheaper alternatives. Despite the Central government's acknowledgment of the issue and the release of buffer stocks, relief has yet to be felt in Rayalaseema markets.

Prices of milk, a necessity for every household, have also increased, with retail milk at around ₹60.52 per litre, an 8.1% rise over the past five years. Private brands are selling milk at ₹78 per litre in Chittoor markets, while curd prices have risen by 10%. For families where curd rice is a daily necessity, consumption by children and elders is being impacted.

Krishnappa Mani, a retired junior assistant, shared that these rising prices have left little room for adjustments in a family's budget, as they have to allocate money for education fees, rent, and other expenses. The impact is particularly severe in rural Rayalaseema, where incomes are irregular, and daily-wage workers and small farmers are unable to adjust to the rising costs.