Srinagar: In the ongoing holy month of Ramadan, the wholesale as well as the retail prices of vegetables and fruits have witnessed a sharp rise over the past few days.
Officials attributed the price hike to the closure of key roads leading to the valley, adding that the roads have now opened and prices are expected to return to normal once again.
Local residents have expressed concern over the fluctuating rates, saying they find it difficult to afford basic fruits and vegetables.
“For the past days since Ramadan has started, prices have been fluctuating. Now supplies are improving, we hope rates will come down in the coming days,” said a vegetable vendor in Srinagar.
Also, a local resident said they are paying almost double for some vegetables. “The government must ensure that such disruptions do not impact the common man so severely,” said Fazil Ahmad, a local from Bemina, Srinagar.
Speaking on the issue, Bashir Ahmad Basheer, Chairman, Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Association (KVFGDU) said that the price of vegetables and fruits in the valley has increased in the past days due to road closures.
“The recent road closures due to weather disruptions affected the supply chain, causing a temporary spike in prices. However, as the roads have now reopened, fresh supplies will start arriving, and we expect prices to return to normal soon,” he said.
Meanwhile, the latest wholesale price list for fruits and vegetables, as accessed by KNO, reads the fruit prices as per unit/weight and includes Banana (1st grade)– ₹94-100 per dozen; Banana (2nd grade)– ₹76-78 per dozen; Sopori (Coconut)– ₹30-34 per unit; Pakistani Kinnow– ₹70-80 per crate; Pakistani Orange – ₹100-110 per kg; Sun Melon – ₹80-90 per kg; Bobby Melon– ₹75-80 per kg; Mango Safeeda– ₹135-150 per kg; Dragon Fruit – ₹80-95 per kg; Black Strawberry – ₹134-136 per box; Red Glow Strawberry– ₹200-258 per box; Orange 215 – ₹67-73 per dozen; Orange 205 – ₹85-88 per dozen; Orange 191 – ₹100-110 per dozen; Orange 171 – ₹127-134 per dozen and Orange 141 – ₹154-171 per dozen.
Also, the vegetable prices (Per Unit/Weight) are as Aaloo Punjabi – ₹15-17 per kg; Aaloo Safeed – ₹11-12 per kg; Pyaaz (Nasik Onion) – ₹35-38 per kg; Garlic (Kashmiri)– ₹25-28 per kg; Tomato– ₹20-22 per kg; Cauliflower– ₹17-20 per kg; Broccoli – ₹10-11 per kg; Mushroom – ₹10-18 per kg; Sag GM-A-dar– ₹25-30 per kg; Cabbage (Punjabi)– ₹20-22 per kg; Squash (Kudoo)– ₹12-13 per kg and Loki (Bottle Gourd) – ₹28-30 per kg.
Notably, the officials said these prices are subject to market fluctuations and availability, with the Kashmir Fruit Association continuing to monitor the rates to ensure fair pricing for traders and consumers—(KNO)
