With an increase in supply of Alphonso mangoes in the wholesale market in Vashi, the prices of seasonal fruit dropped upto Rs 1000 for a box of four dozen or six dozen mangoes. Traders say the supply is likely to increase as farmers are plucking the fruits fearing a rainfall amid the rising temperature.
Farmers in Devgad and other mango growing areas are plucking mangoes to prevent any loss due to sudden rainfall. “As the mercury level is rising, there is a possibility of heavy wind and rainfall. In such a scenario, mangoes may get damaged and farmers will incur losses,” said a trader at APMC Vashi. He added that farmers are sending mangoes which are almost ready without checking supply and demand status.
Normally, during April, the Agriculture Produce Market committee (APMC) receives around 80,000 to 90,000 boxes of all varieties of mangoes everyday. However, till last week, the market was receiving around 45,000 to 50,000 boxes. Now, the supply has increased and the market is receiving upto 70,000 boxes per day.
Traders say that the price of Alphonso from Devgad has dropped from Rs 500 to 1000 per box. “A box contains from four dozen to six dozen, depending upon the size,” said Vilash Patil, a trader. He added that if the supply increases, there will be further drop in price. At present, Alphonso from Devgad are available from Rs 1500 to Rs 3000 for a box.
From February to April, Alphonso, the king of all fruits, is the main attraction in the fruit market at APMC as it starts arriving in good quantity. However, untimely rains have reduced the production of Alphonso.
“Unseasonal rains during the flowering period have had a major impact on production. As a result, the supply is currently declining. The supply of Alphonso is low from the beginning of the season,” said another trader from APMC fruit market. Now, the supply of Karnataka Alphonso will also increase and prices drop.
