Pune: Heavy Rains Drive Fruit and Vegetable Demand Down, Groundnut Demand Surges For Ashadhi Ekadashi Celebrations
Pune: Heavy Rains Drive Fruit and Vegetable Demand Down, Groundnut Demand Surges For Ashadhi Ekadashi Celebrations
In response to recent heavy rains, Pune’s Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Market Yard has seen a notable shift in its produce landscape. The downpour has led to a substantial decrease in the demand for fruits and vegetables, causing prices to plummet. However, amidst this fluctuation, the market has witnessed a surprising surge in the demand for groundnut pods, driven by upcoming Ashadhi Ekadashi celebrations.
This past Sunday, July 14, the market yard received a diverse array of produce, including 90 truckloads from Maharashtra and neighboring states. Highlights of the arrivals included 10 tempos of green chillies from Karnataka, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh; 1 tempo of Totapuri mangoes from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; 2 tempos of cabbage from Karnataka and Gujarat; and significant quantities of beans, cluster beans, and drumsticks from various regions.
Market trader Nikhil Bhujbal reported additional shipments, such as 9 tempos of carrots from Indore and 5 tempos of garlic from Madhya Pradesh.
Notably, the market also welcomed 500 sacks of Satari ginger from Pune, along with substantial arrivals of okra, guar, cabbage, cucumber, tomatoes, and various other vegetables. Groundnut pods saw a particularly high influx with 200 sacks arriving, underscoring the festive demand ahead.
In the vegetable section, leafy greens flooded the market, contributing to a widespread decrease in prices. Prices for fenugreek dropped by ₹13 per bundle, while coriander, shepu, and spring onions reduced by ₹5 per bundle. Spinach prices decreased by ₹3, and other greens like amaranth, chuka, and chavalai saw reductions of ₹2 each.
Despite the rain’s impact on quality and grading, traders noted a steady demand for premium leafy vegetables. Overall, the weather-induced changes have had a significant influence on Pune’s fruit and vegetable market, illustrating the seasonal dynamics at play.
