Sunday, 06 OCTOBER 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The significant rise in prices of fruits by 10 to 12 per cent in the city have affected the spirits of the people observing fasts during the Navratri festival. Many fruit vendors operating in and around Dehradun have also voiced their apprehensions regarding the escalating fruit prices. Additionally, the soaring cost of fruits have impacted the budgets of the locals. The secretary of the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC), Ajay Dabral attributed the rise of fruit prices, especially bananas and apples, to the disparity between supply and demand triggered by the commencement of Navratri and the wedding season.
Regarding this, fruit seller Ramesh Kunwar pointed out that fruit prices have surged with the advent of Navratri. The higher prices not only affect the local community but also lead to reduced sales. Kunwar added that earlier, he used to buy a dozen bananas for Rs 20 from the wholesale market. The rate has now risen to Rs 40 to 45 for a dozen.
He said that the prices of fruits and vegetables tend to increase during the wedding season and Navratri.
“The public is quick to blame us for the heightened costs of fruits, accusing us of intentionally marking up prices. However, the reality is that we are purchasing these fruits at inflated rates from the main market, which ultimately impacts the retail prices,” stated another fruit vendor, Asif Ali.
Dabral told this correspondent that the prices of fruits, particularly bananas and apples, have risen. This is due to the increased demand for fruits during Navratri, while the supply remains constant. The imbalance between supply and demand has led to a surge in fruit prices. He said that bananas are now selling for Rs 80 per dozen, up from Rs 50 per dozen and apples are priced at Rs 100 per kilogramme, among others. Overall, the prices of all fruits have risen by 10 to 15 per cent. Additionally, apart from Navratri, fruit prices are expected to be five per cent higher during the wedding season. He emphasised that a decrease in fruit prices is anticipated after Navratri concludes.
