Mango Season Arrives Early in Nashik, Prices Surge Amid Ramadan Demand

The much-awaited "King of Fruits," mango, has arrived in Nashik’s markets earlier than usual this year. Currently, only Hapus and Lalbaug varieties are available, with Badam and Kesar mangoes expected to arrive in the first week of April. This year, mangoes have hit the market 15 to 20 days earlier compared to last year. Hapus mangoes are being sold at ₹1,400 to ₹1,800 per dozen, while Lalbaug mangoes are available for ₹250 to ₹300 per dozen.

As Ramadan continues, the demand for fruits has risen significantly, leading to an increase in prices. Traders report that fruit prices have surged by ₹20 to ₹30 per kg due to higher consumption during the holy month.

Hapus and Lalbaug mangoes are arriving in large quantities from states like Maharashtra’s Konkan region. On Saturday (March 15), around 24 tonnes of mangoes were recorded at the market committee. Traders expect arrivals to increase rapidly after March 20, leading to a price drop of ₹50 to ₹70 per dozen in the coming week.

With rising temperatures, grapes and watermelons are witnessing the highest demand. This year, the grape season is expected to end earlier than usual. Among grapes, red and black varieties are selling more, while ripe watermelons are also being purchased in large quantities.

Current Fruit Prices in Nashik Market

• Hapus Mango (per dozen) – ₹1,600
• Lalbaug Mango (per dozen) – ₹270
• Red Grapes (per kg) – ₹150
• Green Grapes (per kg) – ₹100
• Watermelon (per kg) – ₹20
• Nagpur Orange (per kg) – ₹100
• Mosambi (Sweet Lime) (per kg) – ₹80
• Chikoo (per kg) – ₹100
• Guava (per kg) – ₹100
• Apple (per kg) – ₹240

According to Suraj Bhagwat, a fruit seller from Gangapur Road, mango prices are expected to remain stable this year. Meanwhile, foreign apples continue to dominate the market, keeping their prices high, while Indian apples are yet to arrive in large numbers.

As summer sets in, the fruit market is expected to see further changes in both prices and availability.