Veda Ramaswamy, Vashi
May 13, 2011 - DNA Navi Mumbai
Not only are the prices of mangoes and watermelons soaring, but the cost of fruits like sweet limes too is scaling new heights. The cost of sweet limes in the wholesale market has increased from Rs 40-Rs 45 per dozen to Rs 85-Rs 90 per dozen.
Fruit traders cite the shortage of crops due to erratic climate and inconsistent rainfall during the growing period as the reason behind the price rise. “The rates of sweet limes have also increased by 15-20 percent this year as compared to last year. The prices are expected to remain high till May 31,” said Santosh Kanade, a fruit trader from the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC). The wholesale market receives around 8-10 tonnes of sweet limes everyday from Chennai.
Similarly, even supplies of oranges have decreased this year leading to their price hike. Priced at Rs 50 per dozen before, they now cost Rs 80-Rs 90 per dozen. “Oranges are mainly grown in Nagpur. But this year, due to the unpredictable rainfall there, most of the produce has been damaged,” Kanade said.
However, come this Sunday and Navi Mumbaikars will be in for a fruitful delight. The local markets will be horded with a fresh inflow of trucks loaded with juicy litchis and blood red cherries. Due to a good harvest season, the supplies are expected to be in huge numbers and of the finest quality. “Litchis are expected to cost not more than Re 1 per fruit. Around 500 boxes of litchis and 1000 boxes of cherries, each of 1 kg, are expected to be delivered daily at the market from Sunday,” said Chandra Sharma, another fruit trader. At APMC, litchis are delivered from various places across India like Muzaffarpur in Bihar, Dehradun and Kolkata, while cherries come from Srinagar. These fruits are expected to be available in the market for the next two-and-half-months. “Not everyone can afford to purchase mangoes. Litchis are a good alternative to beat the heat. I am eagerly awaiting their arrival in the market,” said Bharti Pai, a resident of Vashi.
However, come this Sunday and Navi Mumbaikars will be in for a fruitful delight. The local markets will be horded with a fresh inflow of trucks loaded with juicy litchis and blood red cherries. Due to a good harvest season, the supplies are expected to be in huge numbers and of the finest quality. “Litchis are expected to cost not more than Re 1 per fruit. Around 500 boxes of litchis and 1000 boxes of cherries, each of 1 kg, are expected to be delivered daily at the market from Sunday,” said Chandra Sharma, another fruit trader. At APMC, litchis are delivered from various places across India like Muzaffarpur in Bihar, Dehradun and Kolkata, while cherries come from Srinagar. These fruits are expected to be available in the market for the next two-and-half-months. “Not everyone can afford to purchase mangoes. Litchis are a good alternative to beat the heat. I am eagerly awaiting their arrival in the market,” said Bharti Pai, a resident of Vashi.
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