Team Herald
MARGAO: Unseasonal rains have significantly impacted the mango crop in the State, leading to a noticeable reduction in their availability in local markets.
Consequently, there has been a sharp increase in mango prices at both wholesale and retail levels. In Margao’s wholesale market, standard mangoes have soared to an astonishing Rs 15,000 per 100 kg, with retail prices climbing even higher. This surge in prices has created difficulties for vendors and consumers alike, as many struggle to afford the fruit during what is traditionally the peak mango season.
Local vendors in Margao report that the expected influx of mangoes has not yet materialised. Typically, the first week of April sees a large supply of mangoes due to harvesting, but this year, delayed fruit production, coupled with unseasonal rains, has severely affected the harvest, significantly reducing the quantity of mangoes available for sale.
This shortage has led to hesitation among vendors who typically visit the Margao market to buy mangoes. The high retail prices are causing many to hold off on purchases, fearing they won’t be able to sell the mangoes at a profit. As a result, the mango market in Margao has been unusually quiet, with vendors expressing frustration over the high prices and low supply.
Mango vendors emphasised that this year's situation differs significantly from previous years.
Sarvanand Desai, a wholesaler in Margao, said, “In the past, the market would be flooded with mangoes by early April, making them more affordable for consumers. This year, however, the fruit has not yet arrived in large quantities, which has contributed to the continued high prices.”
The unseasonal rains and changing weather conditions have delayed the mango harvest, directly impacting the fruit’s market arrival.
The reduced availability has driven up prices, causing concern among vendors and consumers. Despite the current situation, there is optimism for the coming weeks. Mango vendors expect the fruit to start arriving in larger quantities within the next 15 days, which should help lower prices to more manageable levels, making mangoes more accessible to consumers and helping vendors manage their inventory.