The NFWTA, a government authority overseeing management of the fruit market in Kathmandu, said Kuleshwar Fruits Market is receiving an average of 25 trucks of fruits per day, up from daily average of around 13 to 15 trucks two weeks ago. A truck carries around 10-15 tons of fruits. [break]
With the hike in supply, prices have come down.
"Rise in supply of fruits from India and China has pushed fruit prices down," said Dipendra Shrestha, treasurer of the NFWTA. He said supply went up as traders starting bringing in more fruits to meet the demand of customers during Mother´s Day that falls on Thursday.
Traders have already placed orders for fruits like apple, mango and banana whose demand increases drastically during Mother´s Day, said the NFWTA. "Though prices of most of the fruits are currently going down due to hike in production in importing countries, retailers may charge higher due to rise in demand during Mother´s Day," said Shrestha.
Shrestha said fruit prices at the wholesale market do not go up in an artificial manner on any occasion as the association takes action against those charging higher prices. However, customers may have to pay higher prices during certain occasions as retailers arbitrarily increase prices to raise their earnings, Shrestha added.
According to the price list issued by the NFWTA, watermelon is currently available for Rs 15 per kg, down from Rs 20 per kg two weeks ago.
On Saturday, bananas were being sold for Rs 36 per dozen, as against Rs 48 per dozen two weeks ago. Likewise, mango price dropped by Rs 35 per kg to Rs 65 per kg.
Pomegranate and papaya also became cheaper by Rs 80 per kg and Rs 5 per kg, respectively. On Saturday pomegranates were available for Rs 120 per kg, whereas papayas were being sold for Rs 35 per kg.
However, prices of apples and grapes have gone up slightly. Apples became dearer by Rs 15 per kg on Saturday and reached Rs 100 per kg, while grapes became expensive by Rs 5 per kg to cost Rs 80 per kg.
Shrestha said apple prices went up due to price hike in China from where the fruit is imported and grapes became expensive due to fall in supply amidst lower harvest as the growing season is ending soon.
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