Mumbai, your time to buy mangoes as prices fall by half

Mango prices in Mumbai have fallen by nearly half compared to last month, with farmers from different states looking to sell their stock before the monsoon begins.

Mango prices in Mumbai have fallen by nearly half compared to last month, with farmers from different states looking to sell their stock before the monsoon begins.

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Even the pricey Alphonso is available at much lower prices in the wholesale Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), Vashi — the most you may have to pay is Rs 400 a dozen.

The prices of other varieties such as Totapuri and Kesar, too have reduced. The fall in prices is being attributed to increased supply from states such as Gujarat, Andhra, Karnataka and Kerala.

“Farmers across the country are selling their stock before the arrival of the monsoon. This has led to more supply of the less expensive mango varieties. As a result of this, the demand for Alphonso has reduced, leading to its prices also falling,” said Sanjay Pansare, a fruit trader in the APMC market.

“The production of mangoes in Maharashtra was initially low, because of the unseasonal rains, but as the weather gets warmer, the produce is getting better,” said Pansare.

The benefit of the falling prices, however, may not reach most consumers, as the retail price for Alphonso is still around Rs 250-Rs 500 a dozen.

“The retail price is usually 50-60% more than wholesale, because of wastage, transportation and labour costs,” said Sunil Yadav, a fruit retailer from Chembur.

“The government can organise festivals for seasonal fruits, as this will give farmers a space to sell. This will reduce the high-handedness of retailers,” said Anuradha Deshpande, committee member, Mumbai Grahak Panchayat.

(Inputs from G. Mohiuddin Jeddy)