Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai. The prices of dry fruits have jumped by 10% to 15% in Asia’s largest dried fruit market, Khari Baoli in Delhi, following disruptions in India-Pakistan trade after the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The suspension of trade at the Attari-Wagah border has led to a sharp drop in supplies of nuts imported from Afghanistan, prompting retailers and wholesalers to hike prices to manage the growing demand.

Rates Climb Across Varieties

With shipments stuck at the border, the prices of popular nuts have shot up considerably. Pistachios are now selling for ₹1,600 per kg, almonds at ₹1,300 per kg, cashews at ₹950 per kg, and raisins at ₹500 per kg. Retailers say the price rise is mainly affecting nuts imported through Pakistan. Supplies from the US and China remain unaffected, but the scarcity of Afghan-origin dry fruits is putting pressure on the overall market.

Khari Baoli Traders Voice Concerns

Khari Baoli shop owners like Mohnish and Surinder Kumar said that most Kabul-origin consignments, which had already been paid for in advance, are now stuck at the India-Pakistan border. These delays risk rendering the shipments unusable, as dry fruits are susceptible to spoilage in storage. The traders noted that prices have increased by ₹300 to ₹400 per kg across many items. They have urged authorities to clear the bottleneck swiftly to prevent further losses and price hikes.

Afghanistan Key to India's Nut Imports

India imports a large portion of its dried fruits, with Afghanistan among the top exporters via Pakistan. The Attari-Wagah border is a key route for such imports, and its closure has choked supply lines. Mohnish said the Kabul consignments are hit hardest, while imports from other countries remain stable. Surinder Kumar added that government officials have met traders and assured prompt action to resume movement at the border.

India’s ₹56,000 Crore Dry Fruits Market at Risk

According to the Nuts and Dry Fruits Council of India (NDFC), the retail market for dried fruits in India is valued at ₹56,000 crore. A majority of this demand is met through imports, with cashews forming nearly 50% of total nut imports. With disruptions in the Afghan supply chain, consumers could face steeper prices in the weeks ahead unless border operations resume soon.

Few Takeaways

1. Dry fruit prices in Khari Baoli have risen by 10-15% after the Pahalgam attack.

2. Afghan nuts stuck at the India-Pakistan border are causing a major supply crunch.

3. Pistachios now cost ₹1,600/kg; almonds ₹1,300/kg; cashews ₹950/kg.

4. Traders say shipments paid in advance risk spoiling at Attari-Wagah border.

5. Government has begun talks with dry fruit importers to resolve the issue.

6. Afghanistan exports nuts to India via Pakistan, a now-blocked route.

7. India’s dry fruit retail market is worth ₹56,000 crore, mostly dependent on imports.