Alphonso price to come down after Gudi Padwa

The arrival of the annual fruit Alphonso mango is set to increase after Gudi Padwa, as many farmers will start plucking mangoes from that day. Gudi Padwa is known as an auspicious day to start something new.

At present, the sweet harvest of the state is arriving around 15,000 to 17,000 boxes per day at the wholesale market which is likely to increase upto 40,000 to 50,000 boxes per day. One box contains around four to nine dozens, depending upon size of the box.

Sanjay Pansare, director of fruit market at Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Vashi said that the arrival will increase from next week and this will start showing in the price of the fruits. "At least 20 percent price will come down in a week time because of expected arrival of more mangoes," said Pansare.

At present, mangoes are available for Rs 1500 to Rs 4000 a box in the wholesale market. Normally, by March price of mangoes will come down. However, this year the yield is expected to be low by around 20 to 25%. Pansare said that since there is low yielding this year, price of mango will not come down much. However, he added that so far price of the fruit is under control. He further added that little dazzling will not affect the crop.

APMC, Vashi receives Alphonso from Devgad and Ratnagiri in Maharashtra. In addition, it also receives other varieties of mangoes like Badami, Glenn and Kesar. However, the peak season of the fruit starts by the middle of March. However, last year, the fruit had already entered in the market and it was sold at whopping price of Rs 6000 per dozen.

Sarfaraz Alam, a retailer in Vashi said that they are selling a dozen mango for Rs 700 to Rs 1500 at present. "At present, they are able to sell around 15 to 20 dozen mango as the price is high. But, it will increase after Gudi Padwa when there will more arrival of the fruit," he said.