Winter Vegetables, Fruit Arrive In Capital Markets; Price Remains Persistent Issue

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Nov, 2018 ) :With gradual decrease in temperature caused by cold winds entering from North, the seasonal fruits and vegetables eventually started arriving in markets of the Federal capital, attracting consumers towards winter's healthy and mouth-watering treats.

The display of edible items including pomegranates, Guava, a variety of citrus fruit like Orange & Fruiter, Turnip, Spinach and carrots could be witnessed in the capital's all big and small markets, alluring the consumers with its enticing display.

A great hustle and bustle was also seen in markets and public who came to buy these fruits, but unfortunately went empty handed without buying their desired edibles due to high rates as usually observed at advent of a season.

The market affairs were giving an uncontrolled look since the vendors were busy in making a quick buck in absence of effective check and balance system by the authorities concerned, leaving the buyers on the mercy of idiosyncratic sellers.

As per the rate list issued by Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration, Pomegranate, Guava, Grapes, Turnip, Spinach, Japani fruit and Fruiter were available at Rs 140 per kilogram (kg), Rs 80, Rs 122, , Rs 28, Rs 17 and Rs 75 , Rs 38 per dozen, Respectively.

Talking to APP, a vendor at I-11 fruit and vegetable market Munir Alam said said the market had flooded with the seasonal fruits due to high demand of these fruits among citizens. However, these edibles were available at high rates as certain mafia involved in black-marketing and hoarding, he added.

The pomegranate of different kinds, Munir said, was being purchased at Rs 1600-2800 per 15 kilogram (kg), depending on its quality while it was being sold at Rs 200-250 per kg.

Meanwhile, Guava was available at Rs 100 kg and Fruiter at Rs 80 per dozen.

He said that the Kinnow was yet to come in the market and likely to enter the markets by coming week.

A buyer Muhammad Aleem at Sitara Market expressed pleasure over start of winter season and said he was suffering from Hepatitis C and vegetables and fruits offered by the nature during this season provided him a great opportunity to deal with his ailments.

He said his physician has recommended him to drink plenty of pomegranates and carrots' juices and "Finally the wait is over", he added.

Another buyer Shahzad Akbar regretted that there was no mechanism in place to ensure the sale of fruits and vegetables on controlled rate and said the skyrocketing prices had forced him to wait for another to buy the required edibles.

A health expert Dr Qasim Raza stressed on much use of these fruits' juices, especially pomegranate and carrots which would help increase the blood in human body besides improving deficiency of vitamins.

According to ICT administration official sources it was committed for provision of controlled rate commodities to citizen of the federal capital and had deployed 23 Magistrates in different areas for strict compliance of the rate lists issued by the administration.