Cost of mangoes almost doubles in Chennai market

CHENNAI: The king of fruits seems to be signing off on a high tide, as prices of mango has almost doubled at the temporary wholesale market in Madhavaram. Arrival of the fruit has dropped. The market is receiving only one fourth of different varieties such as Banganapalli, Romania and Bangalora mangoes than usual. On the flip side, cost of mosambi has dropped with trucks mean for other parts of Tamil Nadu being diverted to Chennai.
According to market sources, 1kg of mango is sold for Rs 80-Rs 100, while it cost almost half — Rs 50 to Rs 60 — last week. While the market was receiving up to 60 tonnes of mangoes from Andhra Pradesh and Tiruvallur district, supply has dropped to 10 to 15 tonnes.
S Srinivasan, president of Chennai Fruits Commission Agents Association, said the cost went up in just two days. Noting that the mango season was coming to an end, he said, “The arrivals have reduced and it has caused prices to go up.” Neighbourhood markets sell fruits by hiking prices by 20%, he added.
On the other hand, of the 400 tonnes of fruits received at the market everyday, mosambi makes for nearly 100 tonnes. Srinivasan said 1kg of mosambi is sold for Rs 25 to Rs 40. “Several vehicles ferrying mosambi from Andhra Pradesh, that are meant for southern districts in Tamil Nadu, are being diverted to Chennai as intense lockdown has come into effect in several districts. Rates of mosambi has started dropping,” he added.
Meanwhile, market sources said business at the Madhavaram market, which saw a lull last week with several tonnes of unsold fruits going to waste, has started picking up in the past few days.