Jamun Fruit Glut Floods Jayanagar and Bengaluru Markets as Supply Surges

During this monsoon season, local fruit markets in Jayanagar and across Bengaluru have experienced a massive glut of seasonal Jamun fruit. A bountiful harvest in rural Karnataka and neighbouring states has flooded stalls and roadside carts with an immense supply of the deep purple berry, causing wholesale arrivals to double compared to previous years.

In Jayanagar, Malleswaram, KR Market, Shivajinagar, KR Pura, and Varthur, heaps of the glossy, tart-sweet fruit have dominated market corners after a sharp spike in arrivals. Wholesalers in the city are currently receiving an estimated three to four tonnes of Jamun daily, a significant increase from the single tonne received during the last week of May.

Despite the surge in supply, prices have remained relatively stable. Wholesalers are selling the fruit at Rs 20 to Rs 30 for a quarter kilogram, while retail pushcart vendors are pricing it between Rs 25 and Rs 35. In some upscale localities, the fruit is retailing at around Rs 150 per kilogram.

"Jamun is a quick fruit with very less shelflife," said Sudhakar S from Shakthivel Fruit Mundy in KR Market. "However, this season we have been flooded with more stock than we can sell in a day!"

Dr. G. Karunakaran, principal scientist at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) in Hesaraghatta, attributed the high yield to favourable weather conditions. A combination of hot and humid weather, along with fewer pre-monsoon showers, created the ideal conditions for flowering and fruiting in regions like Tumakuru, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, and parts of Andhra Pradesh. According to Karunakaran, each tree is yielding about 100 to 125 kilograms of fruit over a 10-to-15-day period.

The fruit remains highly sought after for its medicinal value. Nutritionists highlight that Jamun has a low glycemic index of 25 to 35, making it highly popular among diabetic patients, and is rich in fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants, and iron.