Karnataka | In mango mood? Pockets must weather price storm this season

Bengaluru: Severe hailstorms and unseasonal rains during the critical flowering stage have dealt a heavy blow to the state’s mango harvest, sending prices skyrocketing by 20 per cent to 25 per cent compared to last year.

The state, which produced a robust 13 to 14 lakh metric tonnes of the king of fruits last season, is staring at a significantly reduced yield of 9 lakh to 10 lakh metric tonnes this year.

Officials from the Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation Limited attribute this dip to a combination of unseasonal rainfall, persistent humidity, cloudy weather and sudden pest infestations that triggered massive fruit drops, bruising both exports and local supply chain.

Major mango-growing hubs like Ramanagar, Kolar and Srinivasapur (Kolar district) famed for the premium Alphonso (Badami) variety have been hit hard.

Currently, vendors are procuring these varieties for Rs 180-200 per kg and retailing them to consumers at Rs 250-300 per kg.

While some varieties have hit the stands, the harvest from Ramanagar is expected to reach Bengaluru markets only by late April.

The annual Mango Mela at Lalbagh is scheduled for the third week of May.

However, officials warn that the mela might be an expensive affair this time. A smaller-scale mela is slated to take place at Cubbon Park.

Jayaprakash, general manager of Hopcoms, told DH that the yield this season was less than 50% of the usual output, leading to a direct spike in rates.

“Compared to last season, prices have jumped by 20 to 25 per cent. As it is still early in the season, we might see a marginal price drop of 5 to 10 per cent after a week,” he said.