Hunsur Road abuzz with Mango sellers, buyers

The Hunsur Road in Mysuru is bustling with activities as pushcarts, decorating the stretch, are selling luscious mangoes.

High price for the ‘King of Fruits’ this year has left mango growers beaming. It is irresistible for those travelling in own vehicles as the fruits are displayed like pyramids. They make a brief stop on the stretch to inquire the price and settle for a bargain.

The vendors spread their makeshift shops and carts, drawing the attention of travellers on the stretch. All varieties of mangoes, including Raspuri, Sindhura, Badami, Thotapuri, Mallika and Malagoba, are sold here. The sales, which started a month ago, gained momentum recently with a surge in the supply.

Mangoes are supplied from Nagwala, Benkipura, Halebeedu, Bilikere, Bettadabeedu, Beerihundi, Hullahalli and other villages. While a majority of the traders have taken the trees on contract, some farmers too are selling their produce.
Permanent customers

As the fruits are sold every year on the stretch, during the season, some vendors also have permanent customers. The vendors suggest fruits that are delicious and chemical-free.

The fruits also reach the customers, who are bound for Bengaluru, Ramanagar, Mandya, Mysuru, Kushalnagar, Madikeri, Udupi, Mangaluru and other places.

Mahadeva, a vendor, said,”The business is good this year. A majority of the customers purchase Raspuri, Badami and Malagoba. Every day, we sell about one to two quintals.”

“Sindhura is sold at Rs 50-70 per kg, Raspuri at Rs 60-90, Malagoba Rs 80-120, Banganapalli Rs 70-80, Badami Rs 60-100, Thothapuri at Rs 40-80. The prices are higher by Rs 20 per kg, compared to last year,” said Suresh, another vendor.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, B Basavaraju, Deputy Director for Horticulture, said that the yield had come down due to insufficient rains and heat wave.

“There are complaints of raw mangoes dropping prematurely due to high temperatures. Compared to last year, the production has come down by 25%.
Mangoes are grown on 4,435 hectares in the district. The traders are advised to use ‘ethylene’ to ripen the mangoes instead of hazardous chemicals like ‘carbides’.
Wholesale dealers are buying the fruits in bulk to be dispatched to Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra,” he added.