PANJIM: The much-anticipated mango season has brought disappointment to Goan farmers and mango enthusiasts alike, as production of the beloved fruit has plummeted by 40-50% this year due to erratic weather. The quality of the mangoes has also suffered, adding to the concerns.
Marius Fernandes, a prominent mango farmer from Divar and well-known as Goencho Festakar, emphasized the need for sustainable farming practices to safeguard agriculture, particularly mango farming. “This year, I was disappointed as there were no mangoes on any of the trees. Goa has seen a significant drop in Mancurad mangoes and other varieties due to adverse climatic conditions and unseasonal rains, which disrupted the flowering and fruiting cycle,” Fernandes told O Heraldo.
Fernandes also highlighted the decline in the bee population, crucial for the pollination process, as a contributing factor. “The decline in Mancurad production impacts not only local farmers and the Goan economy but also has worldwide implications. The Mancurad mango is highly prized internationally for its unique flavour and quality. Low yield means decreased exports, affecting global consumption and potentially driving up prices,” he added.
Thomas Fernandes from Siolim, who leases mango plantations, reported a normal season and also claimed that there was no variation in prices this year. “The mangoes are priced high since the input costs are high. A single worker charges Rs 2,500 per day during harvest season and most of the mango pluckers are from outside the State,” he said. “We don’t use chemicals, which can lead to an early crop. Instead, we use hay for ripening mangoes. This year, I spent Rs 60,000 on hay. Our mangoes were ready only in April-May,” he added.
Ashvek Dhargalkar, a wholesale mango dealer from Siolim, noted a 50% drop in mango crop due to weather conditions. “The first flowering was early, in October, and the fruit was ready in February. But the November rain ruined the next flowering. Mangoes need cold weather for flowering. This year, many places in Goa didn’t see flowering. However, we expect a bumper crop next year in areas that didn’t flower this year,” he explained.
Nevil Alphonso, Director of Agriculture, confirmed the decline in mango production. “This is due to changing climatic conditions. Unseasonal rain in November delayed flowering and resulted in less fruiting. It’s not only Mancurad but all mango varieties have seen reduced production. The Mancurad variety fruits every alternate year, and high temperatures affect pollination. There’s no cause for alarm about the bee population.
Prices depend on market demand and supply,” he stated. When asked about the future of mango production, Alphonso reassured that there is no cause for alarm, attributing production variability to climatic conditions.