India: Big prices for Alphonso mangoes
According to members of fruit merchants welfare associations, 140 to 150 boxes arrived. But business has not picked up as there are no buyers for the fruit, which has arrived much earlier compared to the past couple of years.
Dr Mahesh Bedekar, Thane-based medico, who hails from Konkan region, said that mango is a seasonal fruit and early arrival of the crop is nothing but due to artificial ripening of the product. "There are people who can afford the fruit at such high prices. But citizens are not opting for the early crop because of the artificial ripening," he said. According to doctors, consumption of fruits artificially ripened can lead to allergies, stomach infections and in some cases even respiratory problems.
Agriculture experts say that mango prices will come down in first week of April when the supply reaches its peak. "The current price is beyond the reach of the common man. But mango lovers can expect the prices to go below Rs 500 a dozen by mid-March or thereafter depending on the demand and supply," said a senior official attached to the state agricultural department.
However, those in the business deferred from the view. "Rise in fertilizer prices, high packaging and labour charges will result in the price of mangoes remaining on the higher side," said one of the dealers from APMC market.
Despite the high prices, dealers are not ruling out lower volumes. Market insiders said every year the turnover of the mango business at APMC market amounts to nearly Rs 5 billion.
Source: timesofindia
