The ice apple (known as “thati munjalu” in Telugu) has become a rare and expensive fruit in Andhra Pradesh, as urbanization and real estate development have led to the destruction of palm trees. Previously, ice apple sellers used to set up temporary stalls in the city, but now they are resorting to selling the fruit in apartment complexes. The demand for ice apples remains high during the summer season, and it has become a substitute product for toddy vendors.
According to Yerra Demudu, the general secretary of the Andhra Pradesh Kallugeeta Karmikula Sankshema Sangham, approximately three lakh people in the state depend on palm tree products for their livelihood, with around 50% of them involved in selling ice apples. While the demand for palm tree toddy has decreased due to the availability of inexpensive IML liquor, the demand for ice apples persists.
Demudu acknowledged that real estate development has significantly reduced the growth of palm trees, especially in suburban and rural areas. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, ice apple traders like P. Appalaraju from K. Kotapadu are experiencing good sales and demand in the city. They have adapted their sales strategy by targeting specific apartment complexes where residents regularly purchase their product during the summer.
Customers, such as S. Srinivasa Rao, an SBI employee in Sivajipalem, continue to buy ice apples every summer, particularly for his grandchildren who enjoy eating them. The current price for a dozen ice apples is around ₹60. Buyers prefer medium-sized fruits with ample water content, as they are easily digestible for everyone.
The decline in palm trees due to urbanization and real estate development has had a significant impact on the availability and cost of ice apples, affecting both sellers and consumers in Andhra Pradesh.