Mango production has hit a low in the state this season

Mango lovers may have to shell out more this season as the mango

production has hit a low in the state. Top three mango growing

districts in the state namely Kolar, Chikkaballapur

and Ramanagar have reported low yield this year while it is no better

in other mango growing districts of state following unseasonal rains,

drought, and bad weather.

The contribution from the State is around eight lakh tonnes per year to the total mango production in the country. According to sources this year, the total production might be around 6.5 tonnes. While mango is cultivated in around 70,000 hectares in these three districts, in all other districts the total area of cultivation comes to 90,000 hectares.

Speaking to Express, Growers in Kolar, Chikkabalapura, Ramanagar, said that the short-fall in mango yield this year is a whopping 50 to 55 per cent. Mango being biennial crop, in spite of a bumper crop being reported last year, this year the growers say the yield will be less.

PN Chandrareddy of Kolar District Mango Growers and Sellers Association said that mangoes to become dearer this year following short fall in yield. “Last year the yield was about 65 per cent, while this year its estimated below 50 per cent. Last year it was sold for Rs 10,000

to Rs 15,000 per tonne, while this year the prices may reach Rs 20,000.

About 70 per cent of the crop is bought by bulk fruit processing units, it

is only the remaining 30 per cent that comes to the local market, he added.

While in Mysuru the yield is hardly 30 to 35 per cent this time due to

drought and drastic climatic changes say local mango cultivators. They have not seen such a huge decline in the crop yield in the past four years, they added.

Horticulture Assistant Director Krishna Kumar said that this year average crop yield is poor in Mysuru. 'Mangoes are grown in 4,020 hectares of region at HD Kote, Hunsur and, Mysore taluk and the total production is 39,139 tonne.

Mango Board MD Parashivamurthy admitted that there is short fall in the yield this year when compared to last year, though he estimated that the fall is by 20 to 30 per cent.

Mango merchant Mahadeva of Chamarajanagar said that majority of farmers grow Badami and Raspuri at Gundlupet, Kollegal and the crop yield has come down 40 per cent.

Mysore Fruit Merchants' and Fruit Commission Agents Association member Shankar said that they have good demand for fruit this time, but less in production and hike in price might affect business.

Mandi Mohalla Merchant Abdul Sidiquie Shariff said Badami and Raspuri are the most sought after varieties by Mysoreans. With about 40 per cent of crops having lost the prices of fruits is bound to go up this time. Daily 80 to 100 tonnes of mangoes is brought for sale to the Mysuru market during the season,which may not occur this year.