India’s bustling cities are home to vibrant markets, and Ahmedabad is no exception. In this ethnographic research, we delve into the world of fruit markets in Ahmedabad, uncovering their dynamics, challenges, and impact on local communities. By immersing ourselves in the daily lives of market vendors, buyers, and bystanders, we gain insights into the social fabric, economic transactions, and cultural nuances that shape these bustling hubs.

Fruit markets serve as crucial nodes in the urban ecosystem. They connect farmers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers, facilitating the flow of fresh produce. Understanding their functioning is essential for sustainable food systems and livelihoods.

Our ethnographic study focuses on fruit markets within Ahmedabad. We explore their physical layout, social interactions, and economic exchanges. By observing daily routines, we aim to capture the essence of these markets.

We spent weeks immersing ourselves in Ahmedabad’s fruit markets. We observed market activities, interviewed vendors, and engaged with buyers. Our goal was to understand not only the visible transactions but also the hidden networks.

We gathered data through interviews with local vendors and retailers is a valuable approach for understanding the intricacies of the wholesale and retail markets. These firsthand accounts provide insights into the challenges, practices, and dynamics that shape these markets. By combining qualitative data from interviews with quantitative data,  we can create a data visualization wheel representing the availability of fruits throughout the year.

After conducting interviews and organizing the collected data, we converted it into an Excel sheet. Using this data, I created a graphic visualization—a “Fruit Finder Wheel.” This wheel helps you track where your favorite fruits come from throughout the year.

 Let’s dive deeper into the concept of our “Fruit Finder Wheel”—a visual tool that reveals the seasonal availability of fruits from different countries in Ahmedabad. Imagine this wheel as a colorful carousel, each segment representing a month. Here’s how it works:

Color-Coded Countries:

We’ve assigned unique colors to practical countries. For example:

 India: Orange

United States: Blue

China: Red

And so on for other countries.

As the wheel turns, each segment corresponds to a month (January, February, etc.).

If a fruit is available from a specific country during that month, its color fills the segment.

If a fruit isn’t in season, that segment remains blank.

Suppose you love mangoes. Spin the wheel to find out when Indian mangoes hit the market.

Or maybe you crave Brazilian oranges—check the corresponding segment.

The wheel provides a snapshot of global fruit availability throughout the year.

It’s a handy guide for consumers, chefs, and nutritionists

.

Remember, our Fruit Finder Wheel isn’t just colorful—it’s a practical tool for making informed choices about your favorite fruits!