Indapur growers in India observed a surge in pomegranate prices at the APMC auction. Premium-grade pomegranates reached $5.51 per kg, with secondary and tertiary grades at $4.89/kg and $4.28/kg, respectively. This increase has impacted market dynamics and local cultivators.
Tushar Jadhav, Chairman of Indapur APMC, stated, "Earlier, many traders were purchasing pomegranates directly from the orchards, which led to fewer arrivals at the APMC. But with these high prices, farmers are returning to the market yard to sell their produce. We anticipate a steady increase in arrivals in the coming days."
The Indapur region, once a major pomegranate-producing area in western Maharashtra, faced production challenges due to Telia Rog (oily spot disease). Historically, many farmers removed orchards, significantly reducing regional cultivation.
A specific Pomegranate Market Yard was developed within the APMC complex, transforming it into an active trading center. Despite this, consecutive crop failures over recent years have rendered pomegranate farming unsustainable due to rising input costs and declining returns.
Nevertheless, some farmers are revisiting pomegranate cultivation, motivated by new market rates. Limited supply resulting from reduced production has fueled demand, driving prices higher. Local trader Rajabhau Gawali noted that "Friday's rates were the highest seen in recent memory."
The current price levels suggest that, with better disease management and stable market factors, pomegranate farming could regain viability in the Indapur region.
Source: Pune Kar News
