India: Second greatest mango region on the decline
According to the horticulture department, the district has 67,000 hectares of mango cultivating area, the second highest in the country after Uttar Pradesh. Nearly 18 of the district’s 50 mandals have mango fields.
The fruit produced in the region not only sells domestically, but also in export markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, the UAE and Europe.
However despite popular demand, growers in the area say they are not receiving prices good enough to sustain them - or their industry,
This year, things were worse as growers were able to only harvest in the region of 4 tonnes per ha - 50% less than would usually be expected, as a result of harsh weather.
The remaining stock were not in premium condition and there has been a significant fall in prices.
Presently, the Bangina-palli variety is priced between Rs 7,000 and Rs 12,000 per tonne in the markets as against the Rs 24,000 last year. Chinarasaalu is fetching the farmers about Rs 12,000 to Rs 15000 per tonne in the markets.
The export scenario is worse, with less than 100 tonnes of the fruit being sent outside the country so far this year.
Source: deccanchronicle.com
