Winter Delicacy “Hurda” Hits Pune Markets, Farmers Satisfied with Good Demand

Sumit Singh

Pune, 15th December 2023: As winter tightens its grip, the fragrant aroma of freshly roasted “Hurda” (coal-roasted tender jowar) wafts through the air, captivating the taste buds of gourmets. The Market Yard is abuzz with activity as farmers bring their harvest to meet the rising demand for this seasonal delight.

Entering the market after the onset of winter, Hurda is receiving a warm welcome from consumers. In the wholesale market, located in the Market Yard, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Ahmednagar districts are contributing 200 to 300 kg of Hurda daily. Despite the demand surge, prices have remained stable, with one kilogram of Hurda fetching between Rs. 180 to Rs. 250 in the wholesale market.

Traders Mauli Ambekar and Pandurang Supekar from Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Market Yard anticipate a further increase in Hurda arrivals over the next fifteen days. The demand for this winter specialty extends beyond domestic customers to hoteliers, with Lonavala and the Konkan region expressing particular interest.

The Hurda season, commencing in December and stretching through February, offers varieties such as Surti and Gulabhendi in the market. Notably, the trend of organizing “Hurda parties” by hoteliers has contributed to the sustained demand for this seasonal treat.

Ambekar and Supekar further emphasize that the demand for Hurda increases during winter, with its consumption considered beneficial for health. Over the years, the availability of Hurda in convenient packets has enabled more people to celebrate Hurda parties at home, contributing to a significant uptick in domestic consumer demand.

Pune sees a considerable influx of Hurda, particularly from the Ahmednagar and Sambhajinagar district. The success of Hurda cultivation experiments in Purandar taluka of Pune district has added to the overall supply, leaving farmers satisfied with both the demand and the prices they are receiving.

As the Hurda season progresses, the market anticipates continued enthusiasm from Pune’s gourmands and consumers eager to savor this winter delicacy.