Pune: Nagpur’s Orange Market Faces Competition as Rajasthani Varieties Gain Popularity
Market Yard, 30th November 2024: Nagpur, India’s largest orange producer and a key exporter, is encountering unexpected competition from Rajasthan. Recently, consumer preference for Rajasthani oranges has risen, challenging the dominance of Nagpur’s famed variety in the local market.
Over the past month, around 10 to 15 tonnes of oranges have been imported daily from Rajasthan into Market Yard. These oranges, smaller in size but more vibrant in color, have gained popularity among consumers for their sweet taste. According to traders, Rajasthani oranges are selling steadily at wholesale prices ranging from ₹20 to ₹50 per kilogram.
Meanwhile, oranges from Amravati continue to arrive in significant quantities, with 30 to 40 tonnes entering the market daily. These oranges, larger with thicker peels and a sour-sweet flavor, are priced lower at ₹15 to ₹40 per kilogram. Despite the competitive pricing, consumer preference appears to lean toward the sweeter Rajasthani variety.
The current orange season is expected to last for another month and a half. With the arrival of the Mrigbahar crop in mid-January, orange supplies from the region are expected to increase, meeting both local demand and export requirements.
Despite the shifting market dynamics, wholesale prices for oranges have remained stable compared to last year, according to traders. This stability offers some respite to growers and traders amid growing competition from Rajasthan.
