Dates are in demand in Kolkata during the holy month of Ramadan, but this year the prices seem out of reach. Along with local dates, large quantities have been imported to meet demand. Various kinds from the United Arab Emirates, Iran and other Middle Eastern countries are available in Kolkata, but every type is expensive.
From Ajwa to Medjool, Amban, Tatko, Mabroom, Noori, Hili, Kalmi, Alu dates and Kimia dates, many varieties are on sale in Kolkata and other markets across West Bengal.
Prices by variety
Nur Alam, a date trader in Sealdah, said all kinds of dates are available but sales are low because of the high prices. Medjool dates cost Rs 500 to 550 a kg, Mabroom Rs 600, Hili and Kimia Rs 300-400, Kalmi Rs 700, and Noori and Tatko Rs 300-350. The cheapest are chot dates, at only Rs 120 a kg.
Nur Alam added that Ajwa dates are the most expensive at Rs 900-1,000 a kg, and a slightly better grade of Ajwa costs Rs 1,100-1,200 a kg.
Traders hope for a pick-up
Another date trader, Anisur Rahman, said Ramadan has only just begun and demand is low for now because prices are so high. "We hope the date market will improve after a few more days of fasting," he said.
Date trader Gopal Mondal said various kinds of dates are available all over West Bengal, priced according to quality. There is some demand for local dates, but many people do not want imported ones because of their high prices. "We hope prices will fall after a few more days of fasting, and then demand may rise," he said.
Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.
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