Junnar mangoes set to hit city markets from June 1

APMC market is expecting to receive truckloads of the king of fruits in next couple of days

Veda Ramaswamy, Vashi

May 27, 2011 - DNA Navi Mumbai

The season for Ratnagiri Alphonso mangoes might have ended, but mango lovers need not feel disappointed. Navi Mumbaikars have a delightful reason to look forward to the coming week. A special variety of mangoes called ‘Junnar’ are expected to hit the market from June 1.

Junnar mangoes are a unique kind of mangoes which are much sweeter than the usual Alphonso mangoes and are also rarely available in the market. They are grown in the hilly regions of Junnar district in Pune and derive their name from their origin. The Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), Vashi, is expecting to receive around 10-15 trucks of 300-400 boxes each containing 2-4 dozens of Junnar mangoes on a daily basis. “The specialty of the Junnar mangoes is that they are sweeter than the Ratnagiri mangoes. Also, Ratnagiri mangoes are grown in the coastal areas of the Konkan region which proves to be a much more favourable climate for growth of the fruit. They grow faster and hence are available in the market earlier. Whereas, Junnar mangoes are grown in the interior hilly regions of Pune due to which the ripening process takes place at a slower pace. This is the reason why these mangoes are available in the market much later than other Alphonso mangoes,” said Sanjay Pimpale, a mango trader from APMC and the secretary of Fruits and Vegetable Association.

According to traders, the rates of the fruit cannot be estimated till the supplies begin to pour in. But the produce is expected to be definitely lesser as compared to last year. “The price of the mangoes cannot be predicted. Once the supplies come in, the rates can be fixed. But the supply is expected to be much lesser as compared to last season,” said another mango trader from APMC. The demand for these mangoes is likely to be high considering their individuality. Also, the fact that they are the last lot of mangoes to be available in the local market makes them the most sought after. “The demand for Junnar mangoes is expected to be high. This combined with the shortage in supplies would make their prices high but certainly much lesser than the rates of Ratnagiri Alphonso mangoes,” Pimpale said.

Not many are aware about this variety of mango, say mango traders. But those who know are eagerly awaiting the arrival of these mangoes. “I am a native of Junnar. I used to relish these mangoes in my childhood. The news that they would be available in the wholesale market has pleased me,” said Varsha Sathe, a Vashi resident. They are likely to be available in the market till June 15.