According to information published in the journal Hortifruti Brazil (published by CEPEA-USP / ESALQ), the increased supply of fruit is linked to the rising temperatures due to the arrival of spring.
In that sense, producers indicated that the increase in supply could be excessive, especially during the second half of the month, during which most of the fruit matures at once.
Thus, the prices of fruits might decrease, both on farms and in the wholesale market. Producers are concerned about the possibility of surplus in the fields, which can result in lower profitability.
Its worth noting that the supply of papaya had already increased during the second half of August because some the papayas, which were not ripe yet, had been harvested because the plants were heavily loaded.
The arrival of spring could also affect the quality of the Formosa and Hawaii papaya varieties, which could not reach the ideal standards in September.
According to the producers of Espírito Santo, north of Minas Gerais, and Bahia Sul, the papaya plants in those regions were defoliated by the typical winter weather (low temperatures and strong dry winds). Furthermore, the increased sun exposure has increased the presence of spots on the fruits.
As a result, it was not possible to increase fruit prices. Thus, the Hawaii papaya averaged 0.57 reais per kilo in August [$ 0.24], 12% less compared to the previous month, and prices could continue to decline.
Source: Fresh Fruit Portal