According to Nepal Fruits Wholesalers Association (NFWA), wholesale price of fruits at Kuleshwar Fruits Market has dropped in range of Rs 7 to Rs 30 per kg compared to price recorded a fortnight ago. [break]
Dipendra Shrestha, treasurer of NFWA, said wholesale price of major fruits is declining as the supply from India has increased as it is the peak harvesting season for fruits like litchi, watermelon and mango.
On Wednesday, watermelon was sold at Rs 8 per kg down from Rs 15 per kg two weeks ago. Likewise, mango is now available at Rs 30 per kg down from Rs 50 per kg. Litchi, which entered the market only about a week ago, is currently available at Rs 60 to Rs 100 per kg depending on size.
“At present only Indian litchis are available in the market. Price of this fruit will come down drastically once litchis from Tarai district start entering the market next week,” Shrestha said, adding, “Price of mango will also come down after local mangoes start to enter the market.”
Price of papaya has come down to Rs 35 per kg, down by Rs 15 per kg, while sugarcane stick is available at Rs 30 per stick down from Rs 50 per stick recorded a fortnight ago.
“Last year sugarcane price had climbed to as high as Rs 60 per stick. But this year the price has come down due to rise in production,” added Shrestha.
Price of pomegranate and apple, however, have remained unchanged at Rs 130 per kg and 90 per kg respectively.
Meanwhile, price of banana has increased by Rs 20 per dozen due to drop in supply. “Price of banana will also come down once fresh harvests enter the market after two weeks,” he added.
Shrestha said fruit prices are largely dependent on countries like India and China from where the country sources majority of fruits. “As Nepal mostly depends on India and China for fruits, prices fall when the supply from these countries increase and vice versa,” he added.
The fruits market at Kuleshwar is receiving around 12 truckloads of fruits every day. According to Shrestha, fruit supplies will increase after fresh mango and litchi harvests start to enter the market after a week.
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