Bengaluru: Mangoes appear to be becoming less sweet, for both buyers and growers. Year after year, recurring issues have sharply reduced production in Karnataka, pushing up prices. With a dip in production of nearly 5 lakh tonnes expected this year, mango prices are likely to rise to Rs 150-200 a kg.In a good year, mangoes cultivated across 1.4 lakh hectares in the state yield over 16 lakh tonnes of fruit. This year, the total yield is expected to drop to 10-11 lakh tonnes, according to Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation Ltd, which is also known as the mango board.“Flowering began well this year and weather was initially conducive. However, temperatures later dropped below 10°C, which affected flowering and fruiting. Hermaphrodite flowers, which are essential for reproduction, were fewer than male flowers, resulting in lower yield,” said Vedamurthy RT, managing director of the mango board. He added that powdery mildew, a fungal disease, also led to flower drop.For nearly five years, the mango board has cited similar reasons for declining production. However, no effective solutions have been implemented, largely due to shortage of funds. Sources within the board said in the past two years, the govt has not released enough funds to support farmers. Neelaturu Chinnappa Reddy, president of the Kolar district mango growers’ association, said, “The mango board often cites a fund crunch. But isn’t it the board’s responsibility to ensure funds for farmers? The board itself was formed after sustained efforts by farmers, yet they are receiving no support from it.” Horticulture minister SS Mallikarjun told TOI he would soon convene a meeting to address such concerns. “I was not aware of the fund crunch, as funds are usually released as per budgetary provisions. I will call a meeting with mango board officials to ensure funds are released if there is shortage,” he said.Season delayed, but prolongedMango are expected to arrive in markets only by end of April due to delayed crop, but mango season is likely to extend till Aug this year. Currently, Raspuri mangoes from Ramanagara and surrounding areas are available in markets at around Rs 150 per kg. Badami (Alphonso) mangoes are expected to arrive soon and may be priced between Rs 106 and Rs 150 per kg. “Badami prices could go up to Rs 200-Rs 250 per kg due to low production this year,” Vedamurthy said.Karnataka, a major exporter of mangoes, has also been watching global developments closely amid concerns about the impact of ongoing geopolitical tensions. “For now, we expect to export 1,000-1,500 tonnes to Europe and about 500 tonnes to the US without disruption. Our major export is mango pulp, particularly the Totapuri variety, to Gulf countries. This typically happens in June, and we expect the situation to stabilise by then,” Vedamurthy added.
