Fruit prices decline, blame it on the rain

NASHIK: Contrary to the popular perception that fruits would become dearer after July 14, the formal inauguration of Kumbh Mela, prices in retail markets across the city have dipped by about 20% following a decline in demand by the consumers.
The mega religious congregation has started in Nashik and the days of Shahi Parvanis are also nearing, but the demand for fruits has reduced in the city, resulting in a 12-20% decline in the prices of various fruits.
Sources said the demand has declined by almost 40% primarily because of the rain. Generally, the demand from consumers reduces during monsoon and this is the reason the prices of fruits have reduced by up to 20% in the city's retail market.
A fruit vendor from Panchavati said, "We are facing the slowdown for the past 15 days mainly because of the rain. The city is witnessing heavy downpour since the last 10 days. The prices of apple, pomegranate and chikoo (sapodilla) have reduced by up to 20%. But there is no change in prices of banana and pineapple. The decline in customers is around 40-50%. Earlier, nearly 70-80 consumers would by fruits from my stall, now only 35-40 consumers are turning up on an average."
Apple prices have declined by 12.5% to Rs 140 a kg as against Rs 160 a kg a fortnight ago. Pomegranate prices have gone down by 16% to Rs 50 a kg as against Rs 60 a kg around 15 days ago. Chikoo prices have also come down from Rs 50 a kg to Rs 40 a kg. Bananas are, however, selling in the range of Rs 20-30 a dozen, while pineapple for Rs 40 each.