Pune: With Gudi Padwa approaching, mangoes, particularly Alphonso, are in high demand. However, due to unfavorable weather conditions, mango production has been significantly affected this year, leading to reduced market arrivals and higher prices.
Alphonso mangoes, which were sold at ₹500 to ₹700 per dozen during last year’s Gudi Padwa, are now priced between ₹800 and ₹1,500 per dozen. The increase in prices is attributed to lower-than-expected production in the Konkan region, the primary supplier of Alphonso mangoes.
Impact of Weather on Mango Yield
According to traders at Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Market Yard, the mango yield has been impacted by unexpected climatic variations. The winter season in November and December was not as cold as required for proper flowering, resulting in flower shedding and reduced fruit formation. As a result, mango production has declined, leading to a supply crunch in the market.
Traditionally, March marks an increase in mango arrivals, with the Market Yard receiving approximately 4,000 to 5,000 crates daily from the Konkan region. However, this year, arrivals have dropped drastically, with only 1,000 to 2,000 crates reaching the market daily.
Despite the supply shortage, consumer demand remains high due to the festive season. Currently, raw mangoes are being sold at ₹2,500 to ₹6,000 per crate, depending on quality, as traders struggle to meet demand with the limited stock available.
Shortened Mango Season Expected
Market experts predict that this year’s mango season may end earlier than usual. The peak supply period is expected between April 10 and May 10, during which prices may stabilize or decrease slightly.
Under normal conditions, the Alphonso mango season extends until the first week of June. However, due to poor early flowering, the overall harvest has been affected, raising concerns that the season might conclude earlier than expected.