Kesar mango production down 70%

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Every year, Kesar and Hapus (Alphonso) mangoes from Konkan are exported to various countries around the world. The export of Kesar mangoes typically begins in March and April.

However, this year, experts estimate that Kesar mango produce could drop by as much as 70% due to fruit drop caused by adverse weather conditions. To make matters worse, the ongoing Gulf War is also expected to impact exports, throwing the financial calculations of Kesar mango orchard owners into disarray.

.

Over the past several years, Kesar mango cultivation has been steadily increasing in Maharashtra, with enormous demand from both domestic and international markets. Normally, Kesar mangoes arrive in the market in March. But, last year saw heavy unseasonal rainfall, which continued even during Diwali, severely affecting mango orchards.

Additionally, unseasonal rains and storms reduced the fruit-bearing rate in orchards, leading to estimates that only about 30% of the normal Kesar mango produce will be available this year.

Speaking on the issue, Dr. Bhagwanrao Kapse, pioneer of group farming and fruit orchard expert, said that adverse weather had badly impacted Kesar mango orchards this season.

Earlier, it was estimated that at least 40% of the crop would be salvaged. But, unseasonal rains accompanied by storms over the past few days have caused extensive fruit drop. As a result, farmers are likely to end up with only about 30% of normal produce this year. The adverse weather has also reduced Kesar mango output in the Konkan region.

On one hand, produce has declined, while on the other, a war is ongoing in the Gulf region. The Gulf countries are the largest destination for mango exports from India, followed by the United States and European nations, where Indian mangoes also enjoy strong demand. However, with reduced produce, export volumes too will be very limited.

Box

Meeting with APEDA chairman on April 7

As is done every year ahead of the mango export season, the directors of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) will be organised a meeting on April 7 in New Delhi. Dr T Damodaran, Director of the Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture, and exporters have been invited to attend. Dr. Kapse stated that decisions regarding mango exports will be taken at this meeting.