Visakhapatnam: The onset of the auspicious Kartika month has brought noticeable fluctuations in the prices of fruits and flowers in Visakhapatnam’s markets. Traditionally, Kartika sees a spike in fruit demand, leading to price hikes, but this year, fruit prices have remained relatively stable, while flower prices have surged.Several popular fruits have seen a decrease in prices compared to previous months. G. Prasad, the estate manager of MVP Rythu Bazar, provided an update to the Deccan Chronicle on current prices: “Shimla apples are now priced at Rs. 150 per kg, down from previous months, and Royal apples cost Rs. 250 per kg. The country variety of bananas is priced at Rs. 70 per kg, while the Mukri variety costs Rs. 55 per kg. Black grapes are available at Rs. 125 per kg, and Nagpur oranges at Rs. 55 per kg. Sweet lemons are priced at Rs. 60 per kg, while pomegranates, which were once quite expensive, are now available for Rs. 210 per kg. Guavas range from Rs. 50 per kg for the country variety to Rs. 90 per kg for the Taiwan variety. Watermelon costs Rs. 30 per kg, and sapota is priced at Rs. 70 per kg. Custard apples, which were Rs. 150 per kg, are now Rs. 100 per kg.”These price reductions have come as a relief to people observing Kartika Monday fasts, who are purchasing fruits for their rituals.In contrast, flower prices have risen sharply due to increased demand during Kartika. Prices of popular flowers like chrysanthemums, jasmine, and roses have surged, with some prices crossing Rs. 400 per kg. Prasad explained, “Chrysanthemums, which were Rs. 250 per kg, are now priced at Rs. 350. Jasmine flowers have become expensive due to a supply shortage, as they are out of season.” The Anandapuram flower market, a significant hub in Visakhapatnam, has also seen prices reaching Rs. 350-400 per kg.
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