Pune: The much-awaited arrival of Alphonso (Hapus) mangoes has begun at Pune’s Market Yard fruit market, marking the onset of the mango season. On Friday (January 31), the market saw the first shipments of five-dozen and two-and-a-half-dozen boxes of the prized fruit.

The consignment came from Reel village in Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri district, cultivated by farmer Makrand Kane. The mangoes were brought to the market by Ganesh Fruit Agency (Pangare), operated by trader Arvind More.

In a ceremonial auction at the Agricultural Produce Market Committee, attended by key traders and officials, a box of five dozen Alphonso mangoes was sold for a record ₹21,000. The winning bid was placed by trader Yuvraj Kachi.

Pre-Season Mango Supply to Increase Gradually

This early arrival of Hapus mangoes is a prelude to the main season, which officially begins in March. Until then, arrivals remain limited. The event was attended by Balasaheb Konde, head of the Fruit and Vegetable Division of the Market Committee, along with traders Dada Bandal, Ganesh Yadav, Raju Bhole, Paresh Shah, Nana Zhende, Sudhir Mansukh, Sitaram Wadkar, Mauli Ambekar, and Vitthal Mane.

Meanwhile, Kesar mangoes from Konkan have already started arriving in Pune’s markets. With the ongoing supply of pre-season Alphonso mangoes, traders expect a gradual rise in availability before the full-fledged season kicks off in March, confirmed mango trader Arvind More from Market Yard.