WITH very little rainfall being recorded in the Western Division in the past few weeks, the dry conditions are forcing people to search for ways to quench their thirst during the day.
A chilled piece of fruit can serve that purpose and your local market is a good place to start for your supply of fresh local fruits.
According to fruit sellers at the Lautoka Municipal Market, mandarins, pawpaws, bananas, watermelons and pineapples are in season and selling at reasonable prices.
Fruit seller Emmanuel Naidu said pineapple was in its mini season.
“Pineapple is selling at a very cheap price for the market and wholesale price,” he said.
“They’re selling at $5 a dozen, $2 a heap depending on size and $1 for a quarter or half piece.
“Mandarin is also in season and these are mainly fruits you would also find during October to December.”
He said pawpaws and watermelons were also cheap this time around.
“For pawpaw, the wholesale price is $1 a kilo or $20 for a crate.
“As for watermelon, they sell at $1 a kilogram or $20 to $35 each depending on the size of the watermelon.”
Vendor Resham Dutt sells bananas and reported that the wholesale price was $1.50 to $2 a kilogram.
“We sell it depending on the size,” he said.
“For example, a big bunch would sell at $3 while the small ones will sell at $2. I sell a heap of five for $1.”
Traditional fruits such as apples, pears and grapes are also available at the markets.
