Pune: The tradition of buying mangoes on Gudi Padwa was disrupted this year as customers in Pune turned away from Alphonso mangoes due to soaring prices. The limited supply and high costs dampened demand, fruit traders at Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Market Yard reported.
On Gudi Padwa, one of the most significant days in the Hindu calendar, the demand for mangoes typically rises. However, poor weather conditions affected mango cultivation this season, leading to lower supply and increased prices. As a result, Hapus (Alphonso) mangoes were sold at ₹800-1,500 per dozen, almost twice the price of last year’s ₹500-700 per dozen.
Low Supply, High Demand Keep Prices Up
The wholesale fruit market in Pune usually receives 4,000-5,000 crates of mangoes from Konkan in March, but this year, only 1,000-2,000 crates have arrived. With lower supply and steady demand, traders expect prices to remain high throughout the season.
Is This Year's Mango Season Ending Early?
The main arrival period for mangoes is expected between April 10 and May 10, and prices may drop slightly next month. However, since early-season crops were affected, the overall season is likely to end sooner than usual, possibly before June.
Customers Shift to Lalbagh Mangoes and Watermelons
As Alphonso mango prices soared, customers turned to Lalbagh mangoes, which are being sold at ₹120-150 per kg in Pimpri’s fruit markets.