Prices spiral as demand for kiwi, dragon fruit up in Bathinda

Sukhmeet Bhasin

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, November 14

The rising number of dengue cases in the city has led to a sudden increase in the demand for exotic fruits kiwi and dragon fruit as it is believed these help increase the platelet count in patients suffering from dengue.

As the district has reported more than 24,000 cases so far, the sale of coconut water, too, has witnessed surge. While doctors say there is no scientific evidence of the fruits boosting platelet count, fruit retailers across the city are doing a brisk business.

The varieties

• Two types of dragon fruit are available in the market — one imported from Thailand (Rs400/kg) and the other one is imported from China (Rs300/kg)
• People can choose from three types of kiwi — one imported from New Zealand (Rs40/piece), another from Iran (Rs25/piece) and gold kiwi (Rs60/piece), which is considered most effective

The exotic fruit traders, who used to report a footfall of around 10 customers a day, are now serving as many as 35-40 customers daily. They say they have increased the stock of these exotic fruits to meet the rising demand. “Customers say these fruits help in increasing the platelet count,” a trader said.

Manoj, a fruit seller, said: “Earlier, there were only a few selected customers for the exotic and expensive fruits, but now as dengue cases are on the rise, the demand and sale of these fruits have witnessed a manifold surge in the city.”

Two types of dragon fruit are available in the market. The first one is imported from Thailand. Its wholesale price is Rs 350 per kg and is sold at Rs 400 per kg in the retail market. The other one is imported from China. It is available in the wholesale market at Rs 260 per kg and at Rs 300 per kg in the retail market.

Three types of kiwi are available in the market. Kiwi is imported from New Zealand. Its wholesale price is Rs 35 per piece and Rs 40 per piece in the retail market. One of the kiwis is imported from Iran and is available at Rs 25 per piece in the wholesale market. Even a third new variety gold kiwi is also available in the market, which is considered most effective and is being sold for Rs 60 per piece. Besides, even juice sellers in the city have come up with booster juices — kiwi, dragon fruit and avocado shakes — for patients and are in high demand.

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