Mangoes, the king of fruit, have arrived in the market as the summer season approaches, however it appears that the fruit is meant only to be enjoyed by the “king” or the rich people. Due to the soaring price of the fruit they are beyond the reach of the common man and leaves a deep dent in the wallet. This is the case every year.
The steep prices are making it more of a luxury item to be enjoyed by the rich rather than an affordable treat for the common man. It is learnt that the price of Mankurad variety which was sold for a whooping Rs 7,000 per dozen in the Panaji market has dropped marginally to Rs 4,000 but is still beyond the reach of the common man. Obviously the high price is not because it is in short supply since the markets are flooded with the fruits.
It is probably a case of ‘making hay while the sun shines’. Or is the fruit being exported to other countries and even to other states within the state for a higher price? It is learnt that the prices of the mangoes available in the market is not set by the vendors but is sold by the farms at a high price. It would be desirable for the state government to exercise some control on the price of the fruit at the beginning of the season so that every citizen enjoys it.
