ADRIEL ALMEIDA
PANJIM: While summer is the season in the Konkan region where people enjoy their favourite mangoes, this year the prices of the king of fruits have skyrocketed due to its low production.
Mangoes like ‘Nilam’, ‘Pyari’, ‘Kesar’ that were sold for Rs 400 per dozen last year are now available for nothing less than Rs 600 per dozen. According to Jack Almeida from Vengurla who supplies mangoes to Goa, production has dropped by 25 to 30 per cent in Sindhudurg district due to which fewer mangoes are coming into Goa.
Not only is mango production at a two-year low this year but even the size of the fruit appears to have been affected as smaller sized mangoes are seen in the market. Mango vendors attributed the erratic winter season to be the cause of not only low production of mangoes but also the drop in sizes.
Goa’s favourite ‘mancurad’ mangoes are also affected as there is not only a drop in production but also smaller mangoes are seen in the market. Zonal Agriculture Officer Anil Noronha admitted that mancurad available in the market are smaller in size as compared to those that were sold last year.
Despite being small in size, mancurad are sold at prices ranging from Rs 450 to Rs 600 per dozen which are expected to drop shortly when the Ratnagiri ‘Alphonso’ variety of mangoes flood the market in May as this is a mango that is loved by Goans given the fact that it is exported especially to the Gulf countries.
‘Totapuri’ or what is called the bottle mango is another variety that is imported to Goa and is relished as a table fruit. However, this variety does not have much demand as its pulp is not liked that much by Goans and hence only a few of them are brought for sale in Goa.
‘Hilario’ more commonly known as ‘mangilal’ is another much loved table mango of Goan origin that is very popular in north Goa. This along with ‘malgesh’ and ‘mangilal’ is available even in July as it does not get spoilt in the monsoons.
‘Xavier’ mango is a very popular Goan mango breed and is much enjoyed along with ‘Fernadin’ variety that generally survives the monsoons. Unfortunately the availability of this variety of mangoes is decreasing as cash crops like ‘mancurad’ and ‘musrad’ are being grown by farmers at present.
‘Musrad’ is the second favourite mango in Goa as it can be used for various purposes including jams or the popular mangad, which is consumed for breakfast during the monsoons. ‘Musrad’ mangoes are also used to prepare sweet pickles more commonly called chutney.
Neshwin Almeida who has mango trees and has been selling mangoes for quite a few years now says that a good mango tree can earn at least Rs 7,000 per season. “One can easily earn even Rs 10,000 from one tree provided it is maintained properly and gives a good yield,” he said.
Neshwin who leases his mango tree when it flowers disclosed that the person who takes the tree on lease besides paying the agreed amount gives 10 to 20 per cent of the total yield to the owner of the tree, which he said can be consumed at home.
Mango consumption has various health benefits like tackling heart ailments and obesity besides improving the complexion and helping get lustrous hair. Given the fact that mango has over 20 different vitamins and minerals it strengthens the body. In recent times it is said tender leaves of mango tree help combat diabetes.
