15 March,2014 08:02 AM IST | | Richa Pinto
Traders say that all crops standing in the fields, whether fruits or vegetables, have been damaged by the unseasonable rainfall and hail, and prices could soar in a fortnight
Vegetable and fruit
The weather gods are up to their tricks again, pulling at your purse strings and wreaking havoc in your kitchen. Traders in the APMC market say that all produce that grows above the ground has been affected, the effect of which will be perceptible in the markets within a fortnight from now. Fewer trucks laden with greens and fruits are expected to be driving into the city.
Sanjay Pansare, director of the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) in Vashi, said, "Grapes, bananas and pomegranate production has been hit badly on account of these unseasonable rains and hailstorms. Crops spread over hectares of land have been damaged.
We are anticipating a 30 per cent hike in prices, but the exact price rise would be gauged in 8-10 days. With summer round the corner, people crave fruits. But if prices increase, it could be a big disappointment for the common man."
Kesar mangoes are said to have been affected badly. Usually, nine to 10 tonnes of this variety enter the wholesale markets during peak season, from places like Aurangabad and Latur.
The damage was mostly done by the hailstones that fell on the ripe crops, days before they were ready to be plucked. Shankar Pingale, director of the vegetable market, said, "The market receives tomatoes from Latur, cucumber from Solapur and leafy vegetables from Nashik, all of which have been affected by hailstones and untimely rains. The price rise would be understood in about 10 days, if there is a drop in the number of trucks and tempos carrying greens."
Top traders fear that the quality of produce entering the market will also be affected. Ajit Bhorade, another trader from Vashi APMC, said, "Presently in the wholesale market, tomatoes are being sold at Rs 6 per kg, but with the damaged produce reaching the market, there is sure to be a shortage soon. In wholesale market, the price may go up to Rs 12 per kg. Pune zilla is a huge supplier of fresh greens, and therefore, the hailstones and rains are a cause of concern to everyone."
