Wed Oct 02 15:49:48 UTC 2024: ## Dry Fruit Prices Soar Ahead of Navratri in Patna

**Patna:** With the festive season of Navratri just around the corner, the prices of dry fruits have skyrocketed in Patna. The price of Makhana, a popular dry fruit, has increased by Rs. 300 per kg in the last month alone, now selling for Rs. 1000-1100 per kg compared to Rs. 650-700 per kg last year.

Other dry fruits like Ghari Gola, Raisins, Almonds have also witnessed a price hike of 20-25%. Even cashew nuts are priced above Rs. 1000 per kg. Traders predict a further increase in prices during Navratri.

**Online Shopping Impact:**

The increase in prices is being attributed to several factors, including the rise in online shopping, floods in Bihar, and the upcoming festive season. Gaurav Vinayak, a wholesale dry fruits trader, highlights the surge in Makhana consumption and its impact on production due to floods. He also mentions the impact of online shopping on both wholesale and retail markets.

**Retailer Concerns:**

Retailers are concerned about the price hike and its impact on consumers. Mo. Ajhar, a retailer in Sabzi Bagh, pointed out the significant increase in the price of Makhana and Ghari Gola within the past month. Another retailer, Aniket, reported a price hike in Singhada flour and Kuttu flour.

**Record Ghari Gola Price Hike:**

Ghari Gola prices have seen a record rise in the last fortnight, increasing by Rs. 60 per kg. It is now available for Rs. 200 per kg in the retail market. The price of Chironji has also increased from Rs. 1600-1700 per kg to Rs. 1900-2000 per kg.

**Consumer Dismay:**

Consumers are expressing their dismay over the exorbitant prices. Mohini Upadhyay, a homemaker, is worried about the rising cost of dry fruits and is contemplating alternative options for her Navratri fast. Pradeep Pandey, a businessman, highlighted the tendency of traders to inflate prices during festivals and questioned how people would be able to afford dry fruits this Navratri.

**Traders Cite Flood Damage:**

Traders acknowledge the price hike and cite the floods in Bihar as the primary cause for the increase in Makhana prices. They also expect further price increases during Navratri.

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