The city is receiving mangoes in large quantities, with traders at the Vashi APMC market saying the supplies have set a 20-year record for February. About 1,000 boxes of Alphonso and other varieties of mangoes are arriving at the wholesale market daily, nearly a two-fold rise over previous years.
The welcome supplies of the succulent fruit have brought the price at the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) market to Rs 1,500 to 2,000 for a box of four to six dozen mangoes, though the premium quality commands Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 per box. Usually, the price ranges during February is between Rs 5,000 and Rs 8,000 for a box.
Sanjay Pansare, a mango trader and former director at the wholesale market, said they had not received such large supplies in the past two decades. "Normally, the market gets 400 to 500 boxes during February. This year, all previous records have been broken," said Pansare.
Alphonso, Totapuri, Badami and Lalbag are among the types that are reaching Mumbai. The size is a little small, said Pansare. "The market will get big size mangoes once the winter is over."
The bulk of the supplies is coming from Devgad district, said traders. "Apart from Devgad, Ratnagiri, Raigad and Karnataka are also sending the seasonal fruit," said Pansare.
Vijay Shah, another trader at the market, said that the quality of the mangoes is also good. "Buyers can expect a good price drop in days to come."
