Ratlam's Iconic Sev Industry Faces Existential Crisis as Production Plummets 50%
The familiar crackle of sev frying in hot oil, a sound that has long defined the narrow lanes of Ratlam, has grown disturbingly faint. Production of the city's storied Ratlami Sev—a Geographical Indication (GI) tagged snack with nationwide popularity—has plunged by nearly 50%, crippled by severe commercial LPG shortages and packaging costs that have skyrocketed by 30%.
A Legacy Industry Under Severe Stress
For Ratlam, sev is not merely a snack but a cultural legacy and the backbone of the local economy. Thousands of residents depend directly on this trade, from workers in small-scale frying units to transporters and retailers across the country. The distinct Ratlami sev, protected by its GI status, commands loyal demand through an extensive distribution network reaching markets nationwide.
"Production has dropped by almost 50% because LPG supply is severely restricted," explained Dilip Gelda, a third-generation manufacturer from Ratlam. "On top of that, packaging costs have spiked dramatically, increasing our overall manufacturing cost. We haven't witnessed such a dire situation since the lockdown period."
The Scale of the Crisis
Ratlam hosts an estimated 400 to 500 organized and unorganized sev production units, with nearly every lane traditionally contributing to the output. Under normal conditions, industry estimates suggest approximately 5,000 kilograms of Ratlami sev are produced daily. However, the current crisis has forced most units to shut operations by early afternoon instead of running through the evening as usual.
The economic impact is substantial and multifaceted:
- Manufacturers have increased prices for the first time in nearly two-and-a-half years
- Rates have risen by about ₹20 per kilogram to approximately ₹300 per kilogram
- Overall operating costs have surged by 25 to 30%
Operational Challenges and Quality Concerns
"Low business volume is adding tremendous pressure as fixed costs like worker salaries remain constant," noted Shailendra Gandhi, past president of the Ratlami Sev Evam Namkeen Mandal, who operates a shop established by his father in 1977. "A medium-sized unit typically employs six to eight workers, and managing wages amid falling output has become extremely difficult."
The LPG restrictions have fundamentally disrupted production cycles, as large-scale frying depends on consistent, reliable heat. With supply becoming irregular and unpredictable, units are running fewer batches and significantly cutting operating hours.
Some manufacturers have attempted to shift to alternative fuels like diesel, coal, or wood, but Gandhi emphasized that "this approach is not viable for maintaining the quality standards that define Ratlami sev." He added, "Business has declined significantly, and production has followed the same downward trajectory."
Compounding Cost Pressures
The crisis has been exacerbated by parallel increases in packaging material costs. Prices for laminated pouches and tins have risen by approximately 30% in recent months, according to industry sources. Traders report that profit margins are shrinking rapidly, forcing manufacturers to consider either reducing pack sizes or implementing further price hikes to remain viable.
Structural Vulnerabilities Exposed
Despite its prestigious GI status, the Ratlami sev sector remains largely fragmented, with numerous small and medium units lacking the financial capacity to absorb sudden economic shocks. Industry insiders observe that this crisis has exposed the vulnerability of traditional food clusters that depend heavily on a single fuel source for their operations.
Market Impact Beyond Ratlam
The ripple effects are now visible across regional markets. Retailers in Indore, Bhopal, and other major cities are receiving significantly smaller consignments, and delivery timelines have stretched considerably. A similar trend is emerging in Indore itself, where overall namkeen production has declined by approximately 10 to 15% due to higher operational costs and restricted LPG supplies.
This production crisis threatens not only an iconic culinary tradition but also the livelihoods of thousands connected to Ratlam's most famous export. As manufacturers struggle with unprecedented challenges, the future of this GI-tagged delicacy hangs in precarious balance.
