★ Chinese raisin inflows have put the domestic market under pressure, prompting Maharashtra growers and trade bodies to seek immediate government intervention. Market participants allege that the arrival of imported raisins has led to a sharp correction in prices.

★ Over the past one week, wholesale raisin prices have declined by nearly ₹40 per kg. According to industry sources, with the start of the raisin season in China, consignments are first shipped to Dubai and are subsequently routed into India through Afghanistan, where they are allegedly sold as Afghan raisins. Trade bodies claim this practice is distorting market prices and misleading buyers.

★ In Sangli, a major raisin trading hub in Maharashtra, cold storages are currently holding around 20,000 tonnes of carry-over stock from the previous season. With lower production in the current season, these stocks had been fetching satisfactory prices. However, the entry of around 5 tonnes of imported raisins into the market last week reportedly triggered a sudden price correction.

★ Wholesale prices, which were earlier ruling between ₹250 and ₹410 per kg depending on quality, have now started showing a softer trend.

★ Stakeholders from the raisin industry have urged the government to take cognisance of the issue and initiate prompt corrective measures to safeguard domestic growers, traders, and overall market stability.