Jaipur rejoices apple bonanza as prices fall

Jaipur: Abundance of apples from Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir this year, has led to more affordable prices, ranging from Rs 80 to Rs 160 per kg, for the customers in Jaipur. This is the first time since 2019 that prices are cheaper, as last year in 2023, the prices of apples were between Rs 180 to Rs 250 per kg. However, wholesalers have said that the prices may go up from mid-October due to curtailed supply and increased demand.
TOI spoke to the wholesalers dealing in apples at Muhana Mandi and other mandis in Jaipur on Thursday to find why prices dropped this year.
Mahesh Hardasani, a wholesale dealer of apples at Muhana Mandi, said, "We are getting apples from Kullu, Shimla, Manali, and Solan areas of Himachal Pradesh and also from a few parts of Kashmir this year. Last time, the supply of apples from Himachal Pradesh was crunched as apples were unable to reach Jaipur due to landslides in the state. However, this year, the supply is good despite heavy rainfall." Hardasani added the prices of apples are between Rs 30 to Rs 100 per kg in the wholesale market, which is available at Rs 80 to Rs 160 per kg for the customers.
Abdul Sagir, a wholesale dealer at Hasanpura Mandi, said, "Last year, we had a crunched supply in the month of Sept. However, this year, the supply is almost triple. Also, the quality of the apples is good as they are juicy and bigger in size."
Wholesale traders have said that prices are likely to increase from mid-Oct onwards. Alok Bhutani, another wholesale trader at Muhana Mandi, said, "By then, the supply would be curtailed, and since the festival season will start, the demand will increase. Still, it appears the prices would not be as high as they were in 2023."
At Lal Kothi market, apples are being sold at Rs 60 to Rs 120 per kg. Ram Kishan Saini, a retailer, said, “Last year, the quality, especially the size of apples, was smaller. It is much better and bigger this year.”