Pune: Prices of Vegetables Rise as Palkhi Ceremony Disrupts Supply at Market Yard
Market Yard, 22nd June 2025: The ongoing Palkhi ceremony has impacted the supply of fruits and vegetables at the Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Market Yard, leading to a marginal drop in arrivals and a spike in prices of select items. Traders have reported a 5 to 10 percent increase in the wholesale prices of green chillies, carrots, peas, and some fruits.
According to Vilas Bhujbal, former president of the Adte Association at the Market Yard, around 80 trucks of fruits and vegetables arrived on Sunday from across Maharashtra and other states. However, the volume was noticeably lower compared to the previous week, mainly due to logistical disruptions caused by the Palanquin procession routes and traffic restrictions.
Spike in Prices of Green Chillies, Carrots, and Peas
While prices of most vegetables remained stable, green chillies and carrots saw a 5–10% hike. Peas, which are being sourced from Himachal Pradesh, have also become costlier. Supplies from outside Maharashtra include:
- Cabbage from Karnataka and Gujarat (3–4 tempos)
- Shevga (drumsticks) from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu (3–4 tempos)
- Peas from Himachal Pradesh (3–4 tempos)
- Ghevda (beans) from Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh (3–4 tempos)
- Totapuri mangoes from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka (3–4 tempos)
- Garlic from Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh (8–10 tempos)
- Carrots from Indore (9–10 tempos)
Additionally, 550 bags of Satari ginger, 5–6 tempos of okra, 3–4 tempos of guavas, and 7–8 thousand boxes of tomatoes were received. Onion and potato arrivals remained consistent with 30 trucks each, mostly from Indore, Agra, and local regions.
Coriander Prices Drop Amid Surplus Arrival
An increase in the arrival of coriander led to a reduction in its prices. On Sunday, the market yard received 1.5 lakh bunches of coriander and 20,000 bunches of fenugreek. Traders stated that prices of other leafy vegetables remained stable.
10% Hike in Select Fruit Prices
In the wholesale fruit section, a 10% price rise was observed in pomegranates, papayas, chickpeas, watermelons, and melons due to lower arrivals. Meanwhile, other fruits retained stable prices.
Fruit arrivals on Sunday included:
- 12–15 tons of citrus fruits
- 1–2 tons of oranges
- 20–25 tons of pomegranates
- 15–20 tempos of papayas
- 1,000–1,500 sacks of lemons
- 3–4 tempos of watermelons
- 1–2 tempos of melons
- 100 boxes of chickpeas
- 300–400 crates of guavas
- 20–30 crates of custard apples
- 5 trucks of pineapples from Kerala
Traders Call for Better Planning During Seasonal Events
Traders and vendors have expressed concerns over recurring disruptions during religious or cultural events. They urged the authorities to implement better logistical planning during such periods to avoid supply fluctuations and price volatility.
