Pune: Rates of dried fruits rise as mercury dips
Pune: Rising rates of dried fruits are burning a hole in the common man’s pocket. However, citizens are buying them as cold weather conditions have intensified.
Dried fruits are consumed more during the winter as they provide more calories and nourish health. Demand for them has, therefore, increased. Dried fruit production has been adversely affected across the world this year. Their rates have gone up by 15 pc to 20 pc.
Dried fruit rates were consistently low for the past two years. However, consumers have to pay more for them this year. The common people are finding it difficult to buy them within their monthly budget. But many are still purchasing them due to their health benefits.
Dried fruit trader Nitin Goyal from Market Yard said, “Dried fruit production across the world has been hit due to adverse weather conditions. Rates may decrease in March after new production arrives in the market. War conditions in Iran have pushed up prices of dates, black currants, dried figs and saffron. The rise in rates is around 15-20 pc.
“Demand has increased for almonds, apricots, walnuts, raisins, pistachios, cashew nuts and coconut. Dried fruits provide essential nutrients to the body during the winter. The calorie needs of our body are fulfilled by them. They are beneficial for improving health.”
Growing demand for dried fruits during winter
Demand for dried fruits starts picking up around Diwali and continues till the winter season ends. Dried fruits are also imported from various countries. Pistachios are imported from Iran, America (California). Almonds are imported from California and Australia. Walnuts are brought to India from America, Chile and are produced in some states within India. Dried figs come from Iran and Afghanistan. Raisins are imported from Afghanistan and are also produced in India.
Within India, coconut is produced in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Cashew nuts are procured from Goa, Karnataka, Konkan and Kerala. Black currants are brought to the city from Sangli, Vijapur, Nashik and Pandharpur.
Reasons for inflated rates
Dried fruit rates have gone up due to adverse weather conditions, which hit their production; imported dried fruits are costly; growing demand within India; world cashew nut production has decreased due to adverse weather conditions.
Comparative prices of various dried fruits (in Rs.)
Name / November 2024 / December 2024
Cashew nuts / 550 to 850 / 800 to 1,200
Walnut / 800 to 1,200 / 1,000 to 1,500
Walnut (whole) / 450 to 600 / 600 to 800
Almonds / 500 to 800 / 500 to 800
Figs / 700 to 1,000 / 1,000 to 1,500
Black currants / 300 to 400 / 500 to 600
Raisins (Indian) / 200 to 300 / 200 to 300
Salted pistachio / 700 to 1,000 / 1,000 to 1,500
Apricot / 200 to 400 / 300 to 500
