Strawberry arrivals begin early at Vashi APMC, premium grade sells at Rs 600-700 a kg

Strawberries, a favourite with customers, have begun arriving at the APMC market in Navi Mumbai as the winter season sets in. A full 288 quintals of strawberries reached the APMC market in Vashi on Tuesday, October 20.

The strawberry season usually begins in November, but this year it has started in October itself. At present, strawberries are coming to the Vashi APMC market from the Nashik, Saputara and Mahabaleshwar areas.

Strawberry rates are comparatively high. Prices vary with grading, size and quality. At the Navi Mumbai APMC market, a box costs Rs 150, while premium-quality strawberries have reached Rs 600 to Rs 700 a kg.

The strawberry season is at its peak in the cold months, as the crop suits cool weather. Temperature swings and unseasonal rain can affect strawberries. The weather has been changing continuously this year, which has created a major crisis for strawberry growers.

Traders say that the current drought-like conditions, erratic rain and rising temperatures could cause large-scale damage to farmers' crops. For this reason, a decline in this year's strawberry season is being expected.

Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani and Wai are considered the main strawberry-producing areas in Maharashtra. Strawberries are also grown in Nashik. Good-quality strawberries are produced in a cool climate.

The rise in temperature remains a worry for growers. Adverse weather has shortened the production period, so arrivals in the market and prices are likely to be affected as well.

Strawberry production and its availability in the market in the coming days will depend on when the cold sets in and how the weather behaves. If arrivals stay low, the present high prices could continue. Customers may get relief on prices only after arrivals increase.