The sale of dry fruits items has picked up despite a manifold increase prices this year. The prices of other dry fruits like almond, cashew nut, pistachio, and walnuts have risen sharply along with a corresponding increase in demand, according to survey conducted by Business Recorder in a local market here. A rush was seen at dry fruits shops in Hashtnagri, Peepal Mandi, Gunj, Saddar, University Town, Hayatabad area, despite unprecedented increase in the prices.
Traders have attributed that the prices have increased by 70 to 80 per cent this year as compared to last season due to imposition of import duties on such commodities. They feared that the prices would further increase in coming day with growing demand of dried fruits in chill weather.
The price of pine nuts locally known as chilghoza is being sold at Rs 2,800 per kg as compared to price of Rs 1,600 per kg during the last year. Good quality shell almonds are being sold at Rs 1000 per kg and almonds without shell between at Rs 1,200 and Rs 1,600 per kg. Similarly, pistachio sold at Rs 1500 per kg in the retail market.
According to survey, the price of peanut had increased at Rs 200 per kilogram, which was selling at Rs 160 per kilogram during last year. The price of walnut has been raised to Rs 400 per kg against last year's Rs 300 per kg whereas walnut meat is being sold at Rs 600 to Rs 800 per kg.
The buyers demanded of the City District Administration to fix the rates of dry fruits, which are available at multiple prices on the open market. With the advent of winter season, the vendors charged buyers with huge prices in absence of pricing mechanism, they said
The sale of dry fruits, include dates, apricot, peaches, almond, currants, pine nut, peanuts, pistachios and many more has picked up in the local market despite their prices at sky-high. Almond and peanut are the most favourite and their demand is higher than others.
However, with the increasing demand, dealers and shopkeepers have also raised the prices of dried fruits manifold and their buying has become only a desire for the common man. The poor cannot afford most of dry fruits because their prices are beyond their reach, but peanuts are the most popular item among them as their rates are comparatively low and affordable.
Dried fruit is also used in making of various sweet dishes. The peak season of dried fruit sale usually begins from Nov15 and ends in February. There is a slight difference between the prices of dried fruit selling at the Saddar bazaar, Ashraf road market and Hashtnagri bazaar. The experts say these dry fruits contain great amount of energy.
It is commonly observed in our society that during winter, people present dry fruits to their guests as hospitality. In the chilly weather, the number of vendors selling dry fruits has also increased as they can be seen along every roadside near bus stands and in markets.
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