Mango growers in Karnataka are facing challenges due to a decrease in yield and an increase in air freight charges. The situation is exacerbated by the crisis in the Middle East, making exporting mangoes more difficult due to the scarcity of slots and fluctuating freight rates. Last year, air freight was approximately Rs 250 per kilogram, but this year, it ranges between Rs 400 and Rs 550. The volatility of the situation has been compared to the stock market, with quotes changing rapidly and slots being reassigned if not immediately secured. According to deccanherald.com, this has led to exporters returning mango consignments to farmers, particularly affecting those who have invested in growing export-quality mangoes. These high-quality mangoes require significant care and labor, from bagging the fruits to controlling infections, to meet export standards.
In Malda, untimely rain and a subsequent heatwave have severely impacted mango yield, which is expected to decrease by 75 percent. With temperatures exceeding 40°C, the adverse weather conditions have stressed farmers, who rely on mangoes as their cash crop. The reduced yield is anticipated to result in substantial financial losses for the growers. Last season, the yield was 400,000 tons, but it is unlikely to reach even 200,000 tons this year due to the combined effects of untimely rains, prolonged winters, and the current heatwave.
[ Rs 100 = €1.10 ]
Source: theprint.in