Mumbai: Mangoes are increasingly going organic and this year Mumbai is witnessing a windfall.
Costlier than the average mangoes, the organic variety is a hit among buyers, selling out virtually within minutes of hitting the shelves.
While a regular alphonso costs Rs 250 per kg, the price of an organic alphonso ranges from Rs 300 to Rs 500 per kg. Similarly, the regular kesar variety is a mere Rs 70 per kg whereas organic kesar turns out to be Rs 120 per kg.
"The demand is so much that just last night we got a new consignment, and already 15 dozen have been booked. I also have a pending order for nearly 40 dozen for next week," said Vinod Kumar, Managing Director Satvika Bio Foods.
However, behind this huge demand is growing awareness of the unhealthy methods used to ripen mangoes. Raids over the last few weeks have exposed how many fruit merchants use calcium carbide, a carcinogenic, to speed the ripening process. Yet, organic varieties claim to use no fertilizers or chemicals.
"I have probably paid Rs 50 to 100 more for 3 kgs but I don't mind because I know I am getting a better quality product," said Jyoti Bhave, a consumer.
"Price is high but after eating it I don't think I can go back to eating the other mangoes," adds another customer Dr Preeti Shetty.
At 303 % more expensive than the regular variety, these organic mangoes are a huge hit but since they are grown naturally, they are available only during season in May, which means for the mango lovers, time is running out!