BHUBANESWAR: With a day to go for Sabitri Brata - a religious observance of married women in the state which involves a fruitarian diet - the prices of most fruits have increased in the city markets.
Traders blame the limited supply of fruits this year for the nearly 100 per cent jump in the prices of most fruits this season. "Unlike previous years, there are fewer fruits in the market," said
Basant Sahu, a fruit vendor at Unit I market.
Sabitri Brata - which falls on Tuesday - is celebrated by married women and involves prayers to Yamraj, the god of death, for the long lives of their husbands. Women also wear new sarees on the occasion.
Most of the markets on Sunday witnessed heavy footfall. Mango, jackfruit, grape, orange, palm, banana, watermelon, pineapple, jamun and ice apple proved to be favourites.
Mangoes on Sunday sold at prices between Rs100 and Rs 120 a kg. The price of the fruit was around Rs 50 to 60 per kg last week. Apples sold for Rs 150 to Rs 180 per kg, grapes for Rs 160 per kg, pineapples for Rs 30 to 40 apiece and litchi for Rs 200 per kg.
"The prices are terribly high and beyond my budget. How can we celebrate if fruits are so expensive? Why does no one have any control over the prices?" wondered
Kalpana Mohanty, a housewife in
Kendrapada.
Sheikh Salim, a fruitseller in the capital city, said local fruits were not available in the market. "The moment fruits are brought from the neighbouring states, it leads to a rise in prices. Many local farmers will harvest mangoes and jackfruits after two weeks, following which the prices may reduce," he said.
( With inputs from
Ashis Senapati in Kendrapada)
People buy fruits at Bhubaneswar market