By Our Reporter
Shillong: There was a time when people feasted from fruits in their neighbour’s garden. Those days are gone! If you have a fruit tree growing in the compound chances are that buyers will come and book the whole tree at a price. It saves the fruit tree owner a lot of hassle of trying to take it to the market. As a result no one gives anyone anything anymore rued an elderly lady who has seen better days.
Since fruits are in great demand not only in Shillong but even in Guwahati and beyond they are no longer affordable.
Pineapples, which seem to be available in plenty in the city are now selling at Rs 25 a piece. The bigger the size the higher the prize!
Even in Iewduh market which happens to be the lifeline of many consumers fruits are not cheap anymore.
Apart from pineapple, jackfruits are selling at Rs 20 for the smaller ones and the higher ones are touching Rs 50 each. Consumers who frequent Iewduh said that seasonal fruits in this traditional market have become unaffordable.
The most expensive fruit today, however is the papaya. A half-kilogram sized papaya costs Rs 125 and that too from Iewduh which was once supposed to be the common man’s market. With papaya it is a question of supply and demand. The supply is erratic but the demand is huge say the shopkeepers themselves. The growers bring them to Laitumkhrah from where they are sold at exorbitant retail rates.
Bananas and plums are equally expensive. Until two weeks ago the Santa Rose plum was selling at Rs 100-120 a kilo making it fit only for the dining tables of the affluent, says a harassed shopper.
Nowadays many farmers prefer to connect directly with customers. They are seen carrying these seasonal fruits from villages and selling them in various corners of the town. And many who have bought fruits and vegetables from these tempos have expressed their satisfaction, too.
“These fruits are fresh and directly brought directly from the farms. They cost much less than in Iewduh, said a homemaker from the town. Even retired old people are dependent on these village fruits.
“A pineapple cost Rs 15 in these trucks and bananas are starting from Rs 60 onwards. Whereas the Jahazi bananas are priced at over Rs 100 for a dozen in Iewduh,” said a seventy three-year-old gentleman.
However, it is learnt that there is some difference in terms of rates in Iewduh than that of Jail Road and Laban. Whereas mangoes are selling at Rs 40/kg (Malda) and Rs 60/kg (Lengra), the same is selling at double the price in other two markets. Laitumkhrah continues to burn the pockets of people with its exorbitant prices.
“There is no other option for the residents of Laitumkhrah, New Colony etc. since there is no other markets than Laitumkhrah Municipal Market. People in Laban, Rilbong, Jail Road can still depend upon Iewduh,” said an angry resident of Arbuthnot Road.
It is good news that the price of plum has come down to Rs 40 a kg now now in Iewduh.
“Fruits were comparatively cheaper last year but a fruit lover like me cannot do away without these seasonal fruits,” said a resident of the town.
Almost all fruits are priced Rs 10 to Rs 20 more in markets like Jail Road and Polo than Iewduh, observed the vigilant shoppers.