War in West Asia bleeds Marathwada's fields

Lokmat News Network

Raj Patil

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict has delivered a severe blow to Marathwada's agricultural economy, with Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar contributing 34 per cent(25- 26) of Maharashtra's total agri exports bearing the heaviest brunt.

Gulf-bound shipments of perishable fruits and vegetables have stalled at JNPT as containers remain held up amid the war situation, forcing exporters to offload their produce into the already-saturated domestic market. The glut has triggered a sharp price collapse across the region. Adv. Vasant Deshmukh, Secretary of the Mango Growers Association Aurangabad (MANGROW), said onion prices have plummeted from Rs 1,500 to Rs 500 per quintal due to the export halt, pushing farmers in Kannad and Vaijapur talukas to the brink. Imported fruits are also expected to cost significantly more in coming weeks as Gulf supply chains remain disrupted. Trade bodies have urged immediate government intervention to compensate affected growers.

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Why Gulf countries matter for Agri Exports

Agri Export Route

Local Produce → Gulf countries Ports → Europe Markets

• Gulf ports act as major transit hubs

• Lower shipping cost compared to direct export to Europe

• Faster logistics and connectivity for exporters

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Impacted Agri Products

• Prices may fall: Grapes, Onion, Orange, Tomato, Pomegranate

• Prices may rise: Kiwi, Apple, Avocado

• Major export losses (Gulf markets): Lady’s Finger, Onion

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Agri-allied sector

• Covers around 6% of total exports from CSN district

• Contributes over Rs 1,500 crore to the export sector

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Supply Impact

“The effect may be partial, but it will certainly be felt. Hundreds of containers carrying vegetables move out of the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar region every day. If supply chains slow down, it could disrupt transport and also impact fertilizer availability during May and June.”

- Nandkishor Kagliwal, Noted industrialist

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Mango export trend

“Marathwada sees high exports of Kesar mango, and demand for it is expected to rise in the coming weeks. However, prices of Hapus (Alphonso) mango may decline. If the current rate is around Rs 3,000 per kg, it may drop to nearly Rs 2,200 per kg in the market.”

— Uday Deolankar, agri export expert

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Export cost surge

“Working capital is crucial for any industry. Exporters are already under pressure as container costs have surged. A shipment that earlier cost around $1,500 now touches nearly $2,500, increasing financial strain on businesses and affecting overall export competitiveness.”

- Rushikesh Jaju, Trade Facilitation Cell