As summer gets closer, varieties of mangoes start filling up the market. However, this year, unexpected rains and hailstorms in Vidarbha have inflicted significant damage on mango crops. Additionally, there’s a shortage in the arrival of mangoes from neighboring regions, particularly from the Anantpur district in Andhra Pradesh. Initially, the price of Banganapalle mangoes soared to Rs. 150. Currently, between 150 to 2,000 crates of Banganapalle mangoes (with each crate weighing 20 kg) are being brought for sale daily, leading to a decline in price to 70 to 100 per kg depending on the quality. Sources indicate that two years ago, towards the end of the season, the retail price of Banganapalle plummeted to 40-50 per kg.
Currently, mangoes are available for purchase on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, but they’re being sold at double the usual retail price. This increase in price has made mangoes too expensive for many consumers. As of now, only Banganapalle mangoes are being brought into the market from other states, according to sources. Anand Dongre, the president of the Kalamna Fruit Adatia Association, noted that compared to previous years, mango production in Andhra Pradesh is expected to be 20 to 25 percent lower this year due to a deficit in rainfall. Despite mango arrivals starting as early as the end of November, they will continue until May.
