As the conflicts between China and US and the ongoing COVID lockdown adversely affected the market, the price of nuts and dry fruits nosedived. There was a decline of 20 percent in the price of dry fruits within three months. The price of cashew nut, almond and pistachio dropped by Rs 200 per kilogram recently.

The price fall seriously affected the sale of almonds. Almonds cost Rs 700 per kilogram two months ago while it dropped to Rs 400-500 now. The price of first grade almond reduced from Rs 690-800 to Rs 550-400 in wholesale markets. Pistachio had cost Rs 1200 per kilogram earlier, but the price dropped by Rs 200 and touched Rs 1000 now.

There has been no difference in the price of expensive nuts like price of fig, raisins and walnut. Nuts and dry fruits were widely used for making cakes and sweet meats for hotels and wedding events. However, when functions were cancelled and hotels and shops were closed due to COVID lockdown, it affected the sale of nuts and dry fruits also.