Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Mar 13: In the holy month of Ramadan, the sale of fruits like watermelons, melons and others in Kashmir Valley has witnessed a decline of about 40 per cent due to the persistent cold weather conditions over the past twelve days.
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Usually, during the month of fasting, the sales of fruits like watermelons and melons increase significantly. However, this year, the market has seen a downfall.
“This year, as Ramadan is ongoing in Kashmir Valley, the sales of watermelons, melons and other fruits have decreased by around 40 per cent due to the changing weather and continuous cold conditions,” said Bashir Ahmad Basheer, Chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Association (KVFGDU), while speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
He said that despite the prices of fruits and vegetables remaining low, the sales of melons, watermelons and other fruits, which usually increase during Ramadan, have remained low. He further mentioned that the valley has a sufficient stock of fruits and vegetables, but sales have been affected due to the weather conditions.
Notably, the fresh wholesale price list for fruits as of March 13, as accessed by KNO, reads as: local bananas are priced between RS: 88-92 per dozen, while premium bananas cost RS: 73-75 per dozen. Kiwi is available for RS: 30-34 per piece, and Apple Raja is priced at RS: 68-70 per kg, while Royal Apple (big size) is sold for RS: 95-100 per kg. Watermelon (Sun) ranges between RS: 60-92 per kg, while Watermelon (Bobby Zebra) is priced at RS: 93-100 per kg.
Also, Mango Safeeda costs RS: 160-170 per kg, and Dragon Fruit is available for RS: 90-100 per piece. Black Strawberry is priced at RS: 123-124 per box, while Papaya (Red Glow) costs RS: 200-215 per kg. The rates for different varieties of oranges are as follows: Orange 191 is priced at RS: 88-92 per dozen, Orange 171 at RS: 73-75 per dozen, and Orange 141 at RS: 30-34 per dozen.
Additionally, in the vegetable section, the wholesale rates are: Onion (Punjabi) is priced at RS: 15-16 per kg, while Cabbage costs RS: 10-11 per kg. Potato (Karthal) is available for RS: 23 per kg, and Potato (Nasik) for RS: 27-28 per kg. Radish (Kashmiri) is priced at RS: 15-20 per kg. Local Garlic costs RS: 16-18 per kg. Carrot (Local) is priced at RS: 18-20 per kg, while Spinach costs RS: 45-50 per kg. Ginger is priced at RS: 09-10 per kg. Cucumber (Punjabi) is available for RS: 12-15 per kg. Peas are priced between RS: 40-50 per kg, Fresh Beans cost RS: 13-15 per kg, and French Beans are priced at RS: 35-37 per kg. Squash (Local) is available for RS: 11-12 per kg, while Bottle Gourd is priced at RS: 25-30 per kg—(KNO)
