Hyderabad: Savor the pulpy papaya this season
Hyderabad: An excellent crop of papaya in the state has led to a decline in the prices of this soft and versatile fruit in the retail market. The prices have fallen to such an extent that one kg of quality papaya is now being sold at Rs 30 per kg, up from Rs 70 per kg.
Horticulture officials said favorable climatic conditions have helped in good performance of the crop in the state. Papaya arrives in the city mainly from the surrounding districts of Rangareddy, Sangareddy, Nalgonda, Yadadri and Mahabubnagar.
“The surface area of land in the state where the fruit is cultivated is increasing as farmers cultivate papaya trees due to good profits. Hence, there is huge arrival in the market”, said an official of the horticulture department.
CH Narasimha Reddy, secretary of Batasingaram fruit market, said that papaya is sold in quintals every day in the market. There has been a steady increase in the arrival of fruits in the market, he said, adding, “On an average 50 vehicles come to the market from different districts.”
The fruit market in Jambagh at MJ Market is another place where people can go to buy fruits in the morning. Go there and distribute it to local small traders.
However, only the most important purchases are made here. “Not only minorities, but also general buyers can shop here, but they should buy in larger quantities,” Reddy said.
Fruit growers say that the arrival of papaya is in abundance as well as of good quality, which is contributing to the increase in sales. “Besides, the demand for fruits has increased significantly due to fall in prices,” says a vendor.
Popular because of its benefits for health.
Papaya, a sweet fruit grown in tropical regions, is widely used with the belief that it provides various health benefits.
Papaya is said to contain high levels of antioxidants such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E and a diet rich in antioxidants is believed to reduce the risks of heart disease.
Apart from treating heart diseases, it is believed to reduce inflammation and help facilitate digestion while boosting immunity.
It also has anti-aging effects and improves skin texture.
