Mango prices skyrocket in wholesale market

SURAT: Mango prices have skyrocketed in the wholesale markets of south Gujarat with traders at Dharampur wholesale market in Valsad quoting double the price for the fruit. The market which is the largest in south Gujarat region witnesses trade of over 20 lakh kilogram of mangoes every day.
Mangoes from Valsad and Navsari districts began arriving at the market yard amid shortage of the fruit from other centres like Maharashtra and Saurashtra.The traders announced the prices for alphonso and kesar at Rs 1,400 - Rs 1,500 per 20 kilogram for a fortnight. Last year during the same time prices of mangoes hovered around Rs 700 - Rs 800 per 20 kilogram.
The wholesalers said they are in a position to command much better price for the alphonso and kesar variety of mangoes from the region as exporters and traders are queuing up from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Vikas Jadav, a fruit merchant at Dharmpur mango market told TOI, "For the first time in last many years, we are in a position to command higher prices for our mangoes. Maharashtra and Saurashtra regions are almost finished with the production this year due to unseasonal rains and inclement weather conditions."
According to Jadav, after a fortnight, the prices would come down to the range of Rs 800 to Rs 900 per 20 kilogram. Last year, the market opened up with Rs 800 to Rs 900 per 20 kilogram and closed at Rs 400 to Rs 500 per kilogram.
Girish Gandhi, another mango merchant said, "There is heavy rush of traders from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and other parts of the country. Valsadi Hafooz is a famous variety, but it will go out of reach of the common man this year. The retail prices are likely to remain between Rs 1,700 to Rs 2,000 per dozen."
Ashit Mehta, secretary of Amalsad APMC market said, "The demand supply ratio has got disturbed this year. However, the alphonso from south Gujarat will certainly command higher prices."