Nagpur: A drop in fruiting due to adverse climatic conditions this year has led to a sharp increase in prices of Mrug variety of Nagpur santra (orange), which arrives between January and March. A costlier Nagpur orange, however, has also paved the way for kinnow — its cousin from Punjab — right in its own turf. While Nagpur orange is priced at nearly 300 a dozen in the retail markets in some pockets, kinnow sells for 120-150, say traders.Fruit stalls, particularly in mid-and low-income areas, are now stocked with the bright kinnow instead of the santra. Many consumers, priced out of the Mrug variety, are opting for kinnow to satisfy their taste for oranges, say vendors.Nagpur oranges have two distinct seasons — Ambiya, available in October, and the sweeter Mrug, which arrives in January-March. The Mrug crop depends on the monsoon, with flowering occurring in June-July. Erratic rainfall this year led to poor flowering and reduced output, pushing prices higher. Farmers are earning 50-70 per kg at their orchards, which translates to roughly 300 a dozen in city markets, explained Manoj Jawanjal, director of Maha Orange, a state govt agency marketing Nagpur oranges. Kinnow is increasingly being seen as an affordable alternative, Jawanjal noted.Darpan Chaudhary, vendor at Santra Market, said this year’s rates are among highest in recent memory. While many still prefer Nagpur oranges, kinnow’s price has made an impact.Another trader said he switched entirely to kinnow years ago due to its affordability, stable rates. Though connoisseurs continue to favour Nagpur santra, kinnow has become go-to choice for price-conscious buyers.
