The ongoing lockdown and restricted timings have badly affected the sale of Mango the king of fruits this year. Mango which is at its peak period of sale is not reaching its customers and to add to the misery the change in weather is also spoiling the Mango trees.
Under the ‘Break the Chain” initiative shops of essential items and fruit vendors are allowed to function up to 11 am only. Due to limited time, vendors are unable to sell the mangoes. Meanwhile, considering the time limit, people move out too but for other essential items, miss out on buying mangoes.
“The purchasing time is very short, one has to purchase vegetable, grocery and other items. Going to a big market is also not possible, and one has to purchase from the nearby market only. This year I am yet to taste many varieties of mango. I have to be satisfied with what is available at my doorstep vendors,†said a customer.
Even vendors are also lamenting about the time shortage for selling. Dilip (Munna) Shahu, running a fruit stall at Mehadia Square also echoed the same problem.
He said, “The hailstorm, heavy winds and rain showers, apart from the lockdown timing has spoilt the mango season this year.â€
Shahu added that despite good supply and good quality of fruit, many customers are not reaching the shop, due to the limited time. “Demand for Alphonso has increased, as it is available online, and people are placing orders as the shelf life of the fruit is more,†Shahu said.
He also informed that most of the varieties of mango are now available in the city like bainganfally, langda, dessari, lalbagh, kesar etc. The Alphanso was quoted at the price from Rs 600 to Rs 1000 per dozen. “Ratnagiri, Devgarh Alphanso are in demand and at a high price. But even Alphonso from Chennai i.e. Tamil Nadu is also in demand. Though it differs a little in taste from that of Ratnagiri and Devgarh,†Shahu said.
He also informed that Kesar variety of mango is being transported from Tamil Nadu and Gujrat. The UP variety of Kesar may start from July, Shahu informed.
Kesar was quoted around Rs 160 to Rs 200 per kg.
Sundari variety of mango transported from Tamil Nadu is available in the city at Rs 120 to Rs 160 per kg.
Dasari variety presently supplied from Tamil Nadu was is at Rs 100 to Rs 160 per kg.
One of the common and most demanded variety Baiganfalli is available at Rs 60 to Rs 120 per kg. Warangal Baiganfalli is sold at a higher price, than Madras, Shahu said. Langada was available at Rs 80 to Rs 160 per kg.
