About Dry Fruits
India grows walnuts and almonds in Kashmir, makhana in Bihar and raisins in Maharashtra, and imports almonds, pistachios, dates and figs for one of the world's biggest dry-fruit markets.
Where Dry Fruits Is Grown in Maharashtra
The main dry fruits districts of Maharashtra are Sangli (Tasgaon), Nashik, Solapur. Maharashtra is India's leading producer of onion, grapes, pomegranate, banana (with Gujarat and Andhra), tur, soybean, cotton and sugarcane, and of Alphonso mango and Nagpur orange. Its mandis at Lasalgaon, Latur, Sangli, Solapur and Vashi are among the best known in India.
Season in Maharashtra
Walnuts and almonds Aug–Oct; makhana Aug–Oct; raisins Mar–May. Exact arrival dates in Maharashtra depend on local sowing and the monsoon, so check current arrivals before planning purchases.
How Dry Fruits Is Sold in Maharashtra
Farm produce is sold through regulated APMC market yards under the state's agricultural produce marketing law, run by the state agricultural marketing board, with many yards linked to eNAM. Maharashtra has been a leader in FPO-led marketing and in allowing direct sales outside APMC yards for fruits and vegetables.
Key markets for Dry Fruits in Maharashtra
Other major markets in Maharashtra
- Lasalgaon and PimpalgaonOnion, tomato, grapesAboutExplore
- LaturTur, soybeanAboutExplore
- SolapurOnion, pomegranate, jowarAboutExplore
- Kalamna, NagpurOrangeAboutExplore
- JalgaonBanana, cottonAboutExplore
State Agencies in Maharashtra
Dry Fruits has no minimum support price, so it is bought almost entirely by private traders, processors and exporters. State marketing bodies regulate the markets and support farmer producer organisations.
- Maharashtra State Agricultural Marketing Board (MSAMB)Regulated markets, export facilitiesAboutExplore
- MahaFPC (Maharashtra Farmer Producer Companies)FPO procurement and marketingAboutExplore
Quality and Price Notes
Kashmir walnuts are sold in-shell and as kernels, graded by colour (light kernels fetch the most) and size. Kashmiri almonds such as Mamra are prized for their oil and taste but are a small crop compared with imports. Both are harvested in August–October and reach markets in time for Diwali.
Makhana seeds are gathered by hand from pond beds, sun-dried, roasted and popped. The work is traditionally done by the Mallah community of Mithila. Graded by size into "lawa" grades, makhana is sold to wholesalers in Darbhanga and Purnea and then to brands, which sell roasted and flavoured makhana snacks across India and abroad.
Import duties on almonds and other nuts, the California almond crop, the Afghan and Iranian trade situation, and festive demand all affect dry-fruit prices. Diwali and wedding gifting create the strongest seasonal peak.
Buyers, Processors and Exporters
These companies and bodies buy, process or export dry fruits across India, including from Maharashtra. Tap a name for details.
- Happilo International Pvt LtdDry fruitsAboutExplore
- Farmley (Connedit Business Solutions Pvt Ltd)Dry fruits and makhanaAboutExplore
- Tata Consumer Products LtdTata Sampann dry fruitsAboutExplore
- Khari Baoli, DelhiDry-fruit wholesale marketAboutExplore
Research and Advice in Maharashtra
New varieties, crop advice and seed for dry fruits growers in Maharashtra come from the state agricultural universities below and from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in each district.
- Mahatma Phule Krishi VidyapeethRahuriAboutExplore
- Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi VidyapeethAkolaAboutExplore
- Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi VidyapeethParbhaniAboutExplore
- Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi VidyapeethDapoliAboutExplore
Dry Fruits in Other States
Jammu and Kashmir · Bihar · Gujarat · Himachal Pradesh
Related: Dry Fruits – all India · Maharashtra · All crops
Names are listed for reference only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation. The About and Explore buttons open Google in a new tab; results there are generated by Google and third parties, not by this site. Prices, MSP, export rules and schemes change often. Nothing here is financial, legal or purchasing advice. Full disclaimer