Unprecedented fall in the prices of mangoes has been witnessed this year in the retail market.
At present, all varieties of mangoes are available, with Sindhri leading, in the retail trade. The price of the finest quality of Sindhri surprisingly ranges between Rs 15 and 20 per kg.
In the past, the price of fine quality of Sindhri during this period has never been quoted below Rs 30 per kg. In some cases the price of this variety in the past has remained at Rs 40 per kg.
All other varieties, excluding Anwar Ratol, are being sold at prices ranging between Rs 10 and 15 per kg. Anwar Ratol and fine quality of Chaunsa are being sold at Rs 30 per kg.
Market sources attributed the fall in the prices due to slow movement of export of mangoes this year.
The quality of all varieties of mangoes crops in Sindh are affected by shortage of irrigation water. The mango orchards at present are without water and fruit in the trees is not gaining any appreciable weight.