Tirupati Laddu Controversy:Following allegations of adulteration in the ghee used in Tirupati temple’s famous laddus, questions are being raised about the quality of ghee sold in Dehradun. With over 40 ghee brands ranging from ₹200 to ₹2000 per kg, consumers face confusion due to the wide price disparity. Many varieties are marketed for specific purposes, like puja or consumption, with some associating higher prices with better purity. However, industry insiders highlight that profit margins are often higher on cheaper varieties, causing further skepticism about quality.
Tirupati Laddu Controversy:Different Price Ranges and Quality Disparities
In Dehradun, ghee is sold across a wide price range, with brands offering different types based on purpose—whether for cooking or rituals. Ghee priced between ₹200 and ₹500 per kg is often labeled for religious purposes like pujas. The middle tier, priced between ₹600 and ₹800 per kg, claims to be of higher quality and is often dairy-based. Consumers are confused by these variations, struggling to differentiate which brands offer genuine purity, especially with the significant price differences—up to ₹1500 per kg.
Demand and Sales Trends
Most ghee sold in the market is priced at or below ₹600 per kg, but there is also a niche market for premium ghee priced between ₹1000 and ₹2000 per kg. This higher-end ghee, often marketed as handmade or produced by specific cattle breeds such as Gir, Desi, or Sahiwal cows, caters to those who equate higher cost with better quality.
Production Realities: The Cost of Genuine Ghee
Experts indicate that producing genuine desi ghee is a costly process. It takes around 12 kg of milk to produce one kg of ghee, with the total milk cost amounting to ₹600-800. However, in commercial production, only a small percentage of cream is extracted for ghee, while the rest of the milk is sold, reducing the overall production cost. This explains why some lower-priced ghees are available in the market, although their authenticity may be questionable.
Consumer Confusion and Profit Margins
Despite the demand for premium ghee, many consumers still purchase cheaper varieties due to budget constraints. Retailers often mark up the price of ₹200 ghees to ₹400, especially when marketed for religious use, creating further mistrust among buyers. In contrast, the profit margin on higher-priced ghee is minimal, making it less attractive for sellers despite the perception of better quality.
In light of the Tirupati Laddu controversy, consumers are urged to make informed decisions when purchasing ghee, understanding that price alone does not guarantee purity.
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