Nagpur orange production has declined this season after a prolonged break in rainfall and inadequate water availability, with Pune’s Gultekdi Market Yard receiving only two tempos of the fruit at the start of the season, according to a report by Pudhari – Pune. About 800 crates arrived in the market on Sunday, compared with the usual seven to eight tempos during the early part of the season.
The oranges reaching the Pune market are being sourced from the Badur area of Nagpur district. At Gultekdi, an 18-kilogram crate is currently fetching between Rs 800 and Rs 1,400, depending on quality. Retail and wholesale prices are reported to be between Rs 40 and Rs 80 per kilogram.
The reduced arrivals have been attributed to inadequate water for orange orchards. The shortage affected the nourishment of the trees, lowering production and also affecting the fruit’s balance of sour and sweet flavours, the report said.
Satish Shinde, an orange commission agent, said the orchards had not received sufficient water and therefore had not developed as expected. He said 133 crates had arrived through his operation on Sunday, while total arrivals across the market were around 800 crates.
The early-season supply is significantly below the usual level recorded at the Pune market. In a normal year, seven to eight tempos of Nagpur oranges arrive at the market during this period. This season, the arrival was limited to two tempos because of the production decline.
The change is relevant to Pune’s wholesale fruit market, where arrivals from producing districts determine the volume and quality available to traders and retailers. The current figures indicate a tighter start to the Nagpur orange season, although the supplied report does not establish how prices will change over the full season.
The orange season generally continues for three to four months, lasting until February. Shinde said the reduced production could shorten the season to two or three months this year. Further arrivals and the duration of supply will determine whether the market continues to receive oranges at the current rate.
For consumers and market operators, the next milestone will be the volume and quality of arrivals over the coming weeks. The report does not provide an official estimate of total production in Nagpur district or details of any government response to the water shortage.
