Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru   

Mangaluru, May 22: Seasonal fruits have taken over Mangaluru’s markets, with demand and prices for native varieties like jamun (nerale hannu), kokum (punarpuli), and jackfruit soaring.

Jamun, which once lay unnoticed under trees, is now fetching anywhere between Rs 600 to Rs 800 per kg. Kokum is selling at Rs 400 to Rs 500 per kg, while rare fruits like Hebbalasu (wild jackfruit) are priced at Rs 300–350 per kg. Mangosteen is being sold for Rs 700 per kg and jackfruit segments (chopped bulbs) for Rs 400 to Rs 500.

Following the Bisu Ugadi festival, fruits from rural areas begin arriving in the city's markets. This season, the intense summer heat has driven up the demand particularly for kokum and jamun.

Jamun typically comes from Andhra Pradesh, Belagavi, and Vijayapura, but those supplies are now being diverted to major metros like Mumbai and Delhi. As a result, local produce from areas like Vamadapadavu, Bajpe, Kinnigoli, Bantwal, Moodbidri, and Udupi is meeting Mangaluru’s market demand. Traders say this shift has pushed up prices by two to four times compared to previous years.

Even in rural parts of Dakshina Kannada, yields have been lower this year. "Earlier, schoolchildren on holiday helped in collecting jamun. Now, even after offering Rs 800 per day, labourers are hard to find. Harvesting jamun, jambulan, and myrobalan without damaging the fruit is a tedious task," said Cyril D’Souza from Shirthady, who supplies fruits from Vamadapadavu.

Current market prices (per kg):

• Jamun (nerale hannu): Rs 600

• Kokum (punarpuli): Rs 400

• Hebbalasu (wild jackfruit): Rs 300

• Mangosteen: Rs 700

• Jackfruit bulbs: Rs 400

“Jamun is a seasonal fruit known to benefit diabetics, while kokum juice is a healthy remedy to beat the summer heat. These health benefits have driven up the popularity of these native fruits in recent years,” said Ayurvedic practitioner Dr Narayan M from Kaikamba.