KARACHI, Dec 25: Except for walnuts, the prices of imported dried fruit have surged this year owing to the devaluation of the rupee against the dollar and low production of crops.

Pakistan imported smaller quantity of dried fruit and nuts, 43,741 tons ($31 million), during July-November 2008 as compared to the 47,156 tons ($32.3 million) in the same period of last year.Iranian pistachios (salted) are now selling at Rs700-800 per kilogramme while they were selling at Rs520-600 per kg last year. The rate of pistachios (without salt) is Rs1,200-1,400 per kg.

The owner of Karachi Dry Fruits Store in the Empress Market, Saddar, Shaheen Abbasi, linked the price hike in pistachios to crop failure in Iran.

Besides, the Iranian government is reported to have decided to first meet the local demand then think about exporting the sought-after nut to other countries. However, some quantities have also arrived from Quetta, Chaman and Afghanistan.

The price of American almonds (Badam) at the Empress Market hovers between Rs520 and Rs560 per kg while it was Rs450-480 per kg last year.

This item is imported from the US and its price in the local markets depends on the price fluctuation in US markets. The rate of local almonds is Rs400 per kg.

The devaluation of the rupee against the dollar by 25 per cent this year can also be blamed for pushing up the rate of imported dried fruit, Mr Abbasi said.

The price of walnuts (with shell) has not changed much from last year. It is ranging between Rs120 and Rs140 per kilo at the Empress Market depending on its quality.

Walnut finds its way into the market from Gilgit, Chilas and Kashmir areas. The price of walnuts (without shell) is Rs480 per kg.

The rate of cashew nuts (Kajoo) is Rs600 per kg as compared to Rs520 per kilo last year. This much-sought-after is imported from India via Dubai.

Salted or roasted cashew nut is selling at Rs660 per kg. Some traders are demanding over Rs700 per kg.

Pine nuts (Chilghoza) are selling at Rs920-960 per kg as compared to Rs720-800 per kilo last year. The nuts are largely produced in Bannu area.

The rate of raisins (kishmish) at Empress Market is Rs180 as compared to Rs120-140 per kilo last year. It is arriving from Kandhar.

The price of dried dates, arriving from Sukkur, is Rs80 per kg as compared to Rs60 per kg last year. They have been exported to India. Peanuts are available at Rs120 per kg as compared to Rs100 per kg last year.

Mr Abassi said that the sale of dried fruit had fallen by at least 30 per cent this year because of surging prices coupled with a rising cost of living caused by galloping food inflation.

There was some rush in the market for Christmas buying and celebrations and people were mainly buying peanuts and walnuts because of their low rates.

Dried fruit is also used in making of various sweet dishes.

The peak season of dried fruit sale usually begins from Nov 15 and ends in February.

There is a slight difference between the prices of dried fruit selling at the Jodia Bazar (main wholesale market) and at the Empress Market (semi-wholesale market) in Saddar.