Lychee Prices Scorching The Fruit’s Enthusiasts in Vizag
Families hoping to treat their children with the fruit during summer holidays are particularly affected by these steep prices
Visakhapatnam: Lychee, the summer fruit rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fibre, has arrived in the Vizag markets. But its prices are shocking consumers.
Currently, fresh lychees are selling for as much as ₹500 per kilogramme, making them one of the most expensive fruits of the season. Families hoping to treat their children with the fruit during summer holidays are particularly affected by these steep prices.
“I wanted to buy lychees for my kids. But the prices are hotter than the summer sun,” remarked R. Sravani, a resident of MVP Colony.
Vendors attribute the high costs to the long journey the fruit takes before reaching Vizag. S. Prasad, a lychee seller, explained that the fruit is sourced from Bihar. It gets transported through Bengal and Hyderabad before finally arriving in Vizag. Combined transportation expenses, along with soaring demand, have contributed to high market prices.
Prasad pointed out that the freshness of the fruit significantly impacts pricing. While freshly harvested lychees command ₹500 per kilogramme, slightly wilted ones can be obtained for around ₹350 per kilogramme.
Due to the fruit's short shelf life and limited seasonal availability, traders say the demand often exceeds supply.
“Despite the high cost, lychees remain a popular treat among Vizag’s residents. They enjoy the fruit as a refreshing escape from the oppressive summer heat. For many households though, the soaring lychee prices have transformed the seasonal delight into a luxury item,” K.P. Rao, a wholesale trader from Poorna Market, observed.
