a day ago
Fruit, veggie prices climb as demand rises during Shravan
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Ranchi: Prices of various fruits have skyrocketed by Rs 20 to Rs 50 per kilogramme (kg)from the normal in the city's retail markets during the holy month of Shravan. According to the vendors, the surge is being driven by increased consumption, particularly on Mondays and Sundays, when devotees observe fast and rely heavily on fruits.
This demand-supply imbalance has triggered a steep rise in prices, the vendors said.
Among all fruits, apples have emerged as the costliest this season. At present, three varieties of apples are being sold in the market, with the imported ones priced between Rs 250 and Rs 300 per kg compared to Rs 180 to Rs 220 per kg before Shravan began. Premium varieties have touched Rs 350 to Rs 400 per kg. "Both the weather and the rising demand have pushed up the prices," said Tausif Alam, a fruit vendor at the Upper Bazar.
Other fruits, too, have seen price hikes. Mangoes, which were sold at Rs 60 to Rs 100 earlier, are now priced between Rs 180 and Rs 200 per kg, depending on the variety. Bananas have gone up to Rs 60 to Rs 70 per dozen from their earlier Rs 40 to Rs 50. Melons are retailing at Rs 120 per kg, up from Rs 90. Pears have reached Rs 350 per kg while oranges are now selling at Rs 160 per kg. Guavas, which were previously available at Rs 90 or Rs 100, are now priced at Rs 120 per kg.
Mahesh Sahu, a vendor at Lalpur, said, "This is a trend we see every year during Shravan, but the price hike is steeper this time." He added that the customer footfall has remained consistently high despite the rising prices.
Vendors estimated that the prices may stabilise only after Shravan in mid-August, provided the supply chains improve and the festive demand subsides. Rina Devi, a homemaker, said, "Prices rise every year, but this time it's just too much.
Earlier, we could fill an entire basket for Rs 250, but now we get only a couple of items for the same amount."
Similarly, the prices of vegetables have also witnessed a steep surge due to excessive rainfall and crop damage. For example, bitter gourd is being sold at Rs 80 per kg while French beans and capsicum are priced at Rs 120 per kg. Another kitchen essential, coriander leaves, has hit Rs 250 per kg. Tomato, brinjal, radish, and raw banana cost Rs 60 kg each, while okra is also priced at Rs 60 kg and pointed gourd is selling the "cheapest" at Rs 40 kg.
The high demand for vegetables is also because of the Shravan month, when people avoid meat and fish. Mushrooms and seasonal Rugda are selling at Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 kg, making even a quarter-kilo unaffordable for many families.
