Fruits turn bitter

The prices of fruits like grapes, pineapples and watermelons were already climbing at a steady pace after the month. Going by the collective rate card it is evident that the pineapples which were available for Rs 25-30 during Ramzan are now standing at a price of Rs 45-50. Even, the price of grapes have reached a new pinnacle. They are now available for Rs 60 whereas it is now available for a price of Rs 100. Watermelon prices have now doubled.

Previously they were available for a price of Rs 15-20 but now one can only feast on them for a price of Rs 25-30. “Due to heavy supply from Himachal Pradesh, the rate of apples has fortunately gone down by Rs 20. Till last month it was available at a price of Rs 180 per kilo now they are available for the price Rs 140 to 120. But, yet the imported apples still cost Rs 150 per kilogram,”said Naseer, a fruit trader. According to the traders the heavy rainfall the prices have gone up. Due to the current economic scenario the fruit market has been badly affected. Lack of cheap transport is another budget issue.

Mohammad Abdul Khadir, proprietor, Golden Fruit Centre, said, “There is no doubt that the recent event s in the country like, the natural disaster has taken a heavy toll on the labour and transportation aspects of our business. Till the time the economy does not stabilise, there will be fluctuations in the prices of fruits.” He also mentioned that the fruit prices are slated to go higher by 20 % after September 1.