ISLAMABAD: As the weather shifts in the city, the demand for peanuts, locally known as ‘mong phali,’ has begun to rise, and prices have seen a significant decrease compared to the previous year when tempting peanut stalls appeared at every corner of the city.
Like other dry fruit items, this year’s favorable seasonal rain has positively impacted peanut production, promising substantial income for peanut producers.
One farmer mentioned that daily sales, between Rs 24,000 and 30,000 last year, have decreased to Rs 19,000 this season due to record rainfall.
In rain-fed regions like Pothohar and beyond, peanuts have become a significant agricultural commodity, offering considerable returns for farmers, as noted by another farmer.
According to a resident, peanuts from this area have been popular in Punjab’s markets for decades due to their exceptional taste and nutritional value.
This high-profit margin crop is contributing to improving the standard of living for farmers, as highlighted by another citizen. While local farmers have traditionally cultivated peanuts, machinery, and fertilizers could enhance yields this season, as mentioned by a resident from a city in Punjab.
One female pointed out that peanuts are strongly associated with chilly evenings during this season. She added that temporary peanut stalls and carts appeared everywhere in streets, markets, and intersections.
“The vendors serving hot peanuts roasted in the sand are a highlight of winter in the city,” stated another pedestrian, noting that prices are more stable this year than the previous year.
