Pre-monsoon rains have impacted various agricultural sectors in India, notably affecting onion, tomato, and several fruit crops in Maharashtra. Regions like Nashik have experienced severe production challenges, exacerbating potential price hikes, particularly for onions in the near future.
Traders in Pune APMC are observing a downward trend in fruit sales. Karan Jadhav reported that the mango season, nearing its end, faced adversity. “One of my trader friends had bought mangoes at ₹2,800 (approx. $34) per box, hoping for high demand in the final stretch. But the rain caused them to ripen early. Now, he’s ready to sell at ₹800 (approx. $9.70) per box, but there are no buyers. The fruit is so overripe that it can’t even be sold for pulp.” Reports from regions such as Solapur and Ahilyanagar indicate similar distress across banana, papaya, guava, and litchi crops.
Lata Bhamre, a farmer in Nashik, explained, “We had planned to harvest onions in the last week of May due to labor shortages. But the sudden rain caught us off guard. Nearly 60% of my crop is lost.” Additional challenges are reported by the director of Lasalgaon and Vashi APMC, who cited widespread damage and anticipated price increases, cautioning against government export bans.
Pune district collector Jitendra Dudi has instructed officials to conduct immediate crop loss assessments to inform state government reporting. Meanwhile, reduced harvesting has constrained market supplies, leading to vegetable price increases by 60-70% in retail sectors, as reported by local trader Raju Gawali.
Source: Hindustan Times
