The severe heat wave in the district has had a direct impact on the price of fruits such as watermelon and muskmelon, both of are high on water content.
Watermelons are now being sold at Rs. 50 (USD 0.74) a kg, from Rs. 25 (USD 0.37) in January. Muskmelons are being sold at Rs. 40 (USD 0.59) a kg, up from Rs. 20 (USD 0.30).
According to Haji Mohammad Mia, who is the main merchant selling watermelon and muskmelon at the fruit market in the city, the sellers purchase the green-striped watermelons from the neighbouring State of Telangana for Rs. 12 (USD 0.18) a kg. They buy the tastier black watermelons from Shahapur locality for Rs. 15 (USD 0.22) a kg.
“We add up the transportation and warehouse costs and only sell the fruit for a small profit,” he said. Muskmelons are purchased by merchants for Rs. 8 (USD 0.12) to 10 (USD 0.15) per kg.
Another reason for the sudden increase in the price of these fruits is the fall in production of fruits owing to the drought conditions.
The merchants expect the price of these two fruits to touch Rs. 100 (USD 1.49) a kg in June, when Muslims begin fasting for Ramadan. These two fruits, particularly watermelon, are much sought after by them to break their fast.
Meanwhile, fruit juice prices too have jumped, with one glass now being sold for Rs. 30 (USD 0.45), up from Rs. 15 (USD 0.22) in November.
Source: The Hindu