IDUKKI: It is time for the people living in the high range to relish different fruits as they are supposed to be cheapest during this time of the year. With Idukki sharing a common border with Tamil Nadu, the cost of these fruits is cheap due to the cut in the transportation cost. These fruits which are normally unaffordable to the common man are now within the reach of all.
A large number of traders selling apples, pomegranates and grapes are seen in different junctions of the district. The permanent shop owners not only rue over the authorities allowing mobile vendors to carry out business, but also accuse them of selling underweight and poor quality fruits. Apples which were sold above Rs 150 are available as less as Rs 30 to 40 per kg depending upon the quality of them. Apples grown in Idukki are also seen in the market but mainly available in the tourism area of Munnar.
Apples are being mainly supplied from Himachal Pradesh where the state has high production figures and recorded a bumper harvest. Pomegranate which is priced above Rs 200 is being sold in the Rs 50 to 80 range. The main reason for the crash in prices is the excellent harvest witnessed in the country, Reji of Best Fruits in Thodupuzha said. Black grapes grown aplenty in the next door in Tamil Nadu mainly in the Cumbum-Theni belt also calls for attention.