The mango production landscape in Uttar Pradesh faces challenges from both environmental factors and market dynamics. With temperatures soaring to 45°C across districts such as Lucknow, Malihabad, and Hardoi, the mango yield is facing considerable stress. Despite the extensive efforts of farmers, the local markets show tepid interest.
Reports from Lucknow's Dubagga mandi indicate that buyers are scarce, leading to unsold produce. Farmers, having endured lengthy journeys with large quantities of Dussehri mangoes, find minimal financial returns. Prices have dropped significantly, quoted as approximately US$0.12–0.30 per kilo for unripe mangoes and US$0.10–0.18 for mature ones, barely sufficient to cover labor costs.
A prevailing concern among farmers is the quoted prices, reportedly below production costs. As Ramavatar from Barabanki stated, "I brought the produce at 4 a.m. and waited all day. There were no buyers worth negotiating with."
The Dussehri crop of Malihabad, once integral to mango exports, now encounters neglect. "The heat came early, the monsoon came too soon, and there's no support on the ground," shared Salman, a local farmer. The implications extend beyond growers, affecting daily wage laborers and transporters tied to the seasonal mango economy.
For many orchard owners, the potential shift to alternative crops or quitting farming looms. Mohammad Naseer of Malihabad observes, "The younger generation wants no part in this. And the old are losing their will."
Limited prospects for immediate government intervention are evident. With predicted continued heat and no market intervention plans, growers confront environmental challenges and market indifference.
Source: Free Press Journal