Pune: The Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Manchar witnessed record-high prices for chilies, okra, and ridge gourd on Sunday. While chilies were sold at ₹70 per kg, okra at ₹40 per kg, and ridge gourd at ₹55 per kg, lemon prices saw a significant drop of 50%, falling from ₹70 per kg last week to ₹30 per kg. Onion prices remained stable.
According to Nilesh Thorat, Chairman of the Ambegaon Taluka APMC, a total of 3,961 bags of vegetables were brought to the market on Sunday.
Farmers from Ambegaon, Shirur, and Junnar talukas regularly bring their produce to this market, where traders from Surat, Mumbai, and Pune purchase vegetables through commission agents. Farmers receive immediate payment for their sold produce, assured APMC directors Somnath Kale and Ram Gawde.
Current Market Prices (per 10 Kg):
Commodity: Price Range (₹)
Okra: 150 – 400
Ridge Gourd: 200 – 550
Broad Beans: 400 – 555
Hyacinth Beans: 600 – 630
Kidney Beans: 450 – 621
Field Beans: 500 – 525
Lemon: 100 – 300
Cucumber: 100 – 200
On Sunday (March 30), the Manchar APMC received 7,433 bags of onions, with market prices ranging from ₹160 to ₹170 per quintal. As festivals and wedding season continue, many farmers are bringing their produce to the market due to financial constraints. However, onion farmers remain unhappy as prices have not increased.
The central government has announced the removal of the 20% export duty on onions, effective April 1. This decision has raised hopes among farmers for better prices in the coming weeks, said Govind Dnyaneshwar Khilari, an onion farmer from Bharadi (Ambegaon).