Pune: The pomegranate season at Pune’s Market Yard is witnessing record-breaking prices, with the highest bid reaching ₹501 per kilogram in the wholesale market.

This peak price was achieved by Akshay Sanjay Karale, a farmer from Ahmednagar district, whose pomegranates were sold at M/s. Tuljaram Pantharam Banwaria, a stall operated by Yuvraj Kachi, a former Vice President of the Agents' Association and a well-known pomegranate trader.

In recognition of this achievement, Karale was honored by Balasaheb Konde, the head of the Fruits and Vegetables Department of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee, in a ceremony attended by various traders and dignitaries.

The current pomegranate season, which began recently, is expected to continue until January. During this period, the Market Yard's wholesale market is bustling with activity, receiving between 30 to 50 tons of pomegranates daily.

The produce arrives from multiple regions, including various parts of Pune district, surrounding divisions, and other areas across the state. The season has seen a surge in prices, with wholesale rates fluctuating between ₹100 and ₹400 per kilogram based on the quality of the fruit.

One of the contributing factors to the high prices this year has been the challenges posed by excessive rainfall. Farmers have had to go to great lengths to maintain the quality of their crops despite the adverse weather conditions.

The exceptional quality of Karale's pomegranates allowed them to stand out in the auction, securing the highest price recorded this season.

The Market Yard has become a focal point for pomegranate trade, especially with farmers from Nashik and other regions bringing their produce to capitalize on the favorable market conditions.