Prices of fruits under control

At a time when vegetable prices are skyrocketing, a dish of seasonal fruits has become affordable for the common man. With the arrival of summer, the demand for fruits is increasing but normal supply of seasonal fruits in adequate quantity has kept the prices under control.

The wholesale market at Gultekdi Market Yard is getting good quantity of grapes, pomegranates, oranges, apples and chickoos. Nath Khaire, a fruit wholesaler, says,  “We are getting regular and adequate supply of grapes, pomegranates and chickoos. Hence, the prices are under control.’’

The supply of fruits is expected to increase even more by Holi. On the other hand, the demand for fruits has gone down due to ongoing SSC and HSC examination, Khaire said.

In the retail market, grapes are being sold at prices in the range of Rs30 to 60 per kg depending on the quality. The rates of figs and pomegranates are in the range of Rs70 to 120 and Rs80 to 120 per kg respectively.

Smita Joshi, a housewife, said, “Pineapples, oranges and apples are relatively cheap. Hence, we can afford to have good quality fruits for making salads or deserts.’’

However, the supply of Indian apples, grapes and pineapples may get reduced after a few days due to the hot weather. However, by then, the market will have an adequate supply of watermelons and mangoes. Khaire says at present, 30 to 40 boxes of mangoes  are reaching Pune daily but the rate is still as high as Rs2,000 to Rs5,000 per box.