King of fruits Mango become too dearer this year

After onions it is the turn of mangoes to suffer the effects of unseasonal rains that lashed throughout the State in January because of global warming.The rains caused the flowers to drop, resulting in lesser yield. With the yield this year already being less, the heavy rains lashing for the past one week has brought with it another menace namely the Black Spot syndrome affecting the crop even further. The average size of the mangoes too has come down. Naturally the cost of the fruit has spiralled up, making it beyond the reach of fruit lovers.

Speaking to Express Fazlur Rehman a wholesale mango merchant said that `compared to previous year, this time the yield is still less due to unseasonal rains in Janurary, though the rains in the last couple of days has helped the semi-ripe fruits to gain moisture and ripe.'

‘The city receives most of its mango supplies from Channapatna, Ramanagar and Lalithadripura, as the yield of mangoes from regions surrounding Mysore is below average. With the fruits getting ripened in the next 10-15 days prices may come down by Rs 10,’ added Fazlur.

Langra an north indian variey fruit is also available in the market, but the demand is less says Shoiab a trader and adds there is more demand for Badami, Neelam and Raspuri but the supply is less this season.

History of Mango Mandi

The Mango Mandi in Mysore, famous as Ragi Mandi, has a history dating back to more than 200 years. A trader nicknamed Ragi was the first to start selling mangoes which gradually caught up with everyone who too started selling mangoes. It is situated on Akbar Road in Mandi Mohalla. Due to lack of basic faciltiies the rains disturbe loading and unlodation activities in mandi market.

All varieities of mangoes are sold here at wholesale prices. Badami, Raspuri, Neelam, Benusha, Malgoba, Saindura, Bainganpalli and Mallika are brought here from places like Srirangapatna, Nanjangud, Bannur, Hunsur, T.Narasipura, Heggadadevanakote, K.R. Nagar and even from outside the State like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Though the entire area is a mango market, most of the businesses are done inside the homes of these traders situated on this road. Most of these vendors have been trading in the fruit since their childhood, continuing the family business from their elders.

Retail vendors start flocking the market as early as 5 am along with mango trucks, and pushcart vendors assemble there for a bargain purchase. Before selling, the fruits are sorted out based on size, quality, ripeness and colour. By 10.30 am, the whole business is completed and the mandi appears deserted.

Price tag:
Types Present year Last year
Badami Rs 70 Rs 45
Raspuri Rs 50 Rs 40
Malgova Rs 65 Rs 45
Saindura Rs 40 Rs 30
Thothapuri Rs 40 Rs 30
Neelam Rs 45 Rs 40