Mango prices may rise this season as a result of rapid climate changes and insect infestations that have resulted in a dramatic fall in Konkan production.
According to the Times of India, the yield of Konkan mango crops, especially Haapus, has decreased by 40-50% in the previous three years.
Prior to the Thane Mango Festival on May 2, BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar addressed the media among other growers from Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg.
According to Kelkar, a roughly 3.2 lakh tonne mango crop would be harvested in 2020. Last year, the figure dropped to 1.2 lakh tonnes.
Kelkar argued that changes in weather conditions, unseasonal rainfall, heatwaves, and attacks from pests in organic farms are the reason behind the slump in mango production.
A mango trader told TOI that last year 70,000 boxes came from Konkan and this year the numbers have declined to 18,000.
Separately, Madhya Pradesh’s ‘Noor Jahan’ mangoes have lost their luster as only eight fruit-bearing trees are left in the Alirajpur district.
A few decades ago, fruit from this mango variety used to weigh up to 4.5 kg, but it has now come down to around 3.5 kg.
