Watermelons start arriving in city

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JAN. 6. Watermelons have started making their appearance in the markets and at various commercial spots of the city, though summer is a good two months away.

Watermelons find ready buyers due to the price factor, traders say. The melons arrive mainly from Kozhikode as well as from Kambam and Theni in Tamil Nadu and from Karnataka. These are being sold at Rs. 4 a kg in the wholesale market and Rs. 6 in retail.

In some parts of the city, retail fruit shops sell watermelon juice also. However, traders say the arrival of watermelon has not been as usual due to heavy rains in Karnataka and parts of Tamil Nadu. The sale is likely to pick up by February.

Meanwhile, oranges are also enjoying brisk sales at various parts of the city. Oranges can be seen being sold in mini-lorries at various junctions in the city. Varieties of oranges priced between Rs. 12 to Rs. 19 a kg are available in the city.

In some parts of the city, pineapples have also started making their appearance. The prickly fruit comes mainly from Pathanapuram in Kollam, Wayanad and Vazhakkulam in Ernakulam district. Small ones are available at prices as low as Rs. 6.

The entry of mangoes into the markets in the city would be late this year due to the delay in the flowering of mango trees.

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Section  : Southern States
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