Fruit prices dearer by 10 pc due to shortage in arrivals

CHENNAI: “During the COVID pandemic, the usage of insecticide lead to crop damage. So we did not receive any stock from Karnataka. Usually, the market received at least 20-30 truckloads of fruits every year. Currently, only five to six vehicles arrived at the market from Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat,” said S Dhanasekar, secretary, Koyambedu Vegetable, Fruit and Flower Merchants’ Association.

The steep price hike of diesel and petrol lead to an increase in fruit prices in the market. Traders are worried that they are unable to make a profit as there is no brisk sales ever since the summer season started.

“Compared to pandemic lockdown, the sale is dull this summer. Even the watery fruits sold at a low price this time, such as watermelon and musk melon was sold for Rs 8-10 per kg,” said Kumaran, another trader at Koyambedu fruit market.

Currently, pomegranate is sold for Rs 250 per kg, apple and orange Rs 100 per kg each, sweet lemon Rs 50-60 per kg, grapes Rs 70-80 per kg, and pineapple Rs 60 per kg.

Mangoes are expected to arrive from May, also the prices to further raise at least by 10-20 per cent till August.