Strawberry Prices Soar In Pune As Unpredictable Weather Hits Crop Yield
Strawberry Prices Soar In Pune As Unpredictable Weather Hits Crop Yield
Pune: Strawberry lovers in Pune are in for a treat, but at a higher price. The fluctuating weather conditions in Mahabaleshwar, Satara, and Nashik regions have affected the strawberry crop yield, resulting in a 20% increase in prices compared to last year.
In Pune’s retail markets, 1kg of strawberries is selling for Rs 350 to Rs 400, depending on the quality. The fruit is smaller and tangier than usual, but customers are still eager to indulge in the seasonal treat.
Farmers in Mahabaleshwar are bearing the brunt of the unpredictable weather. A strawberry farmer said, “The minimum temperature in Mahabaleshwar is over 17 degrees Celsius, which is not ideal for strawberry cultivation. The yield will be hit by nearly 25% due to the lack of cold weather and light rain.”
The higher price of strawberries has not deterred customers, who are excited to try the seasonal fruit.
The strawberry stock in Pune’s markets is currently sourced from Nashik, Wai, Mahabaleshwar, and Panchgani. a strawberry farmer from Mahabaleshwar, said, “The sweeter strawberries will be ready by the end of the month. We have harvested varieties like Winter Dawn, Sweet Charlie, and La Bella so far.”
In wholesale markets, the price of strawberries is ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 350 per kg, depending on the region and quality. a strawberry trader, said, “Strawberries sourced from Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani are the most expensive, while those from Wai and Nashik are selling at Rs 200 to Rs 250 per kg.”
The demand for strawberries is expected to increase in the coming weeks, with institutional customers who freeze strawberries expected to place their orders soon. a strawberry trader at Market Yard, said, “We source most of our strawberries from farmers in Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani. The demand is good so far, and we expect more quantity and better quality strawberries to start arriving from early January.”
Meanwhile, grape farmers in Sangli are struggling to protect their crop from the unpredictable weather. Another grape farmer from Tasgaon, said, “Grapes require a stable weather. The fluctuating weather conditions are causing grapes to break and get damaged. We have to be careful about the chemical content while spraying medicines on exportable grapes, but at the same time, we cannot afford to lose our crop.”
