LAHORE (January 05 2004): Dry fruits have registered about 50 to 70 percent increase in prices as compared to last year while dealers have urged upon the government to form a uniform policy for their export keeping in view the local requirements.

Market survey, conducted by APP, reveals that price of fig (Anjeer) has registered about 50 to 80 percent of rise per kilogram this year. Fig is now available in market at the rate of 500 to 600 per kilogram as compared to 300 to 400 hundred per kilogram last year.

Similarly, the prices of almond and its seed have also registered substantial increase this year.

Accordingly, Kaju (cashew), pistachio (pista) have also recorded high price this winter which fruit dealers have attributed to irrational export policy and smuggling of dry fruit.

They have also attributed price hike to uncertain conditions in neighbouring Afghanistan that supplies bulk of almond, groundnut and other dry fruits to Pakistan, which has itself run short of production of dry fruits.

India and Sri Lanka still remain the biggest export market of cashew (Kajoo).

Prices of dry fruits being sold by "vendors", mostly refugees from Afghanistan, are much cheaper as compared to those dealing at shops. Shopkeepers said quality of dry fruits sold by roadside dealers are very cheap or sub-standard and have no warranty.

Courtesy Business Recorder