Iran Conflict Halts Exports, Maharashtra Farmers Face Crores in Losses

• Escalating conflict between Israel, US, and Iran severely impacts Indian agricultural exports, particularly from Maharashtra.
• Exports to Gulf countries halted, causing prices of bananas, grapes, watermelons, muskmelons, and onions to plummet in local markets like Pune Market Yard.
• Hundreds of reefer containers carrying bananas, grapes, and other produce are stuck at Mumbai port, leading to crores of rupees in losses for farmers and traders.
• Local market prices have significantly dropped; for example, onions from Rs 12-15 to Rs 8-10/kg and watermelons from Rs 25-28 to Rs 8/kg.
• Imports of apples, kiwis, and dates from Iran have also stopped, causing apple prices in India to rise from Rs 1100-1200 to Rs 1500-1600 per 10 kg.