Afghanistan crisis makes dry fruits dearer as imports in Rajasthan hit

JAIPUR: The change of power dynamics in Afghanistan has dealt a blow to the dry fruit business in Rajasthan, with prices of dry fruits shooting up. All imports from Afghanistan have been stopped due to which the dry fruits business in India has taken a hit, also affecting Rajasthan.
According to the wholesalers in the city, there has been a 25% to 35% hike in price of various types of dry fruits in the market. Talking to TOI, Amit Kamdara, dry fruit wholesaler in the city said, “The prices are rising day by day and this is not going to stop anytime soon. Imports have suddenly stopped resulting in price hike. The shipping companies or trucks from Wagah Border are not arriving.”

From the wide range of available dry fruits, India imports dried raisin, walnut, almond, fig, pine nut, pistachios, dried apricots that are sold 30% high in wholesale and the consumer has to purchase it at 50% hike. With the festive season approaching, people who preferred gifting dry fruits as a hygienic option amidst pandemic instead of sweets, may have to think of an alternate option.
Gaurav Modi, another dry fruit wholesaler in Jaipur said, “Either we have to increase our domestic production or import from other countries. Figs, pistachios and raisins arrive from Afghanistan and with the festive season around the corner, it will take a toll on people’s pocket this year.”
Demand for raisins and figs especially increased in the pandemic, with people consuming dry fruits as immunity boosters. Many people have wet figs in daytime for better digestion. Moreover, in many Ayurvedic medicines, dry fruits are used.