Elsa Angel Rose
PANJIM: The only thing hotter than the April sun in Goa this year is the price of the prized Mancurad mango, the best of which is selling at an eye-watering Rs 4,000-5,000 for a dozen at Panjim market, far outstripping the Rs 1,000-1,500 price tag of the Hapus, or Alphonso, which carries the tag of ‘King of Mangoes’.
However, the smaller specimens of the Mancurad are priced at around Rs 2,000 for a dozen. A customer at the Mapusa market shared, “Last year, I bought good-quality Mancurads at Rs 1,500 at the start of the season, and now I’m paying Rs 2,000”, reflecting an increase of 30-35% compared to
last year.
However, mango vendors are confident that prices will drop in May and June. Ahmed Raza, a vendor in Panjim, explained, “At the start of the season, the rates are high, but by mid-May, they should drop.” Nonetheless, Mancurad prices have reached record highs, with the cheapest variety priced at Rs 2,000 per dozen.
One factor driving the steep prices is the mango shortage. Vendors anticipate that the supply will increase in May, June and July.
Malik, a vendor, noted, “The season lasts for three to four months, and soon the markets will be flooded with mangoes.” Raza added, “As supply increases, the starting price for a dozen will drop to Rs 1,800 or even less.” Aslam Nadaf, a fruit stall owner in Panjim, observed, “We haven’t stocked too many because there’s not much demand right now.”
At present, there’s greater demand for Hapus mangoes from Maharashtra than for the locally grown Mancurad. The hefty price tag on Mancurad has led many to opt for Hapus. A vendor remarked, “Hapus is a good, cheaper alternative for those who can’t afford Mancurad.” Hapus mangoes are priced between Rs 1,000-1,500 for a dozen.
Amitha Helekar, a mango lover and home-maker from Panjim, said, “I mostly buy Hapus now. It’s tasty and more affordable.” Some vendors have even raised concerns about the authenticity of the Mancurad mangoes. “Some sellers are passing off Hapus as Mancurad, at lower prices of Rs 1,200 or even Rs 1,000,” warned one vendor.
Smart shoppers are choosing to wait before making their purchase. Helekar shared, “I’ll probably buy Mancurad in May or June when there will be more available at lower prices.” After all, there are plenty of other delicious mango varieties on the market, such as Paily, Hapus, and Lalbagh.
However, the smaller specimens of the Mancurad are priced at around Rs 2,000 for a dozen. A customer at the Mapusa market shared, “Last year, I bought good-quality Mancurads at ₹1,500 at the start of the season, and now I’m paying Rs 2,000”, reflecting an increase of 30-35% compared to last year.
However, mango vendors are confident that prices will drop in May and June. Ahmed Raza, a vendor in Panjim, explained, “At the start of the season, the rates are high, but by mid-May, they should drop.” Nonetheless, Mancurad prices have reached record highs, with the cheapest variety priced at ₹2,000 per dozen.
One factor driving the steep prices is the mango shortage. Vendors anticipate that the supply will increase in May, June, and July. Malik, a vendor, noted, “The season lasts for three to four months, and soon the markets will be flooded with mangoes.” Raza added, “As supply increases, the starting price for a dozen will drop to ₹1,800 or even less.” Aslam Nadaf, a fruit stall owner in Panjim, observed, “We haven’t stocked too many because there’s not much demand right now.”
At present, there’s greater demand for Hapus mangoes from Maharashtra than for the locally grown Mancurad. The hefty price tag on Mancurad has led many to opt for Hapus. A vendor remarked, “Hapus is a good, cheaper alternative for those who can’t afford Mancurad.” Hapus mangoes are priced between ₹1,000-1,500 for a dozen.
Amitha Helekar, a mango lover and home-maker from Panjim, said, “I mostly buy Hapus now. It’s tasty and more affordable.” Some vendors have even raised concerns about the authenticity of the Mancurad mangoes. “Some sellers are passing off Hapus as Mancurad, at lower prices of ₹1,200 or even ₹1,000,” warned one vendor.
Smart shoppers are choosing to wait before making their purchase. Helekar shared, “I’ll probably buy Mancurad in May or June when there will be more available at lower prices.” After all, there are plenty of other delicious mango varieties on the market, such as Paily, Hapus, and Lalbagh.