Pune, 16 March 2026: Hapus (Alphonso) mango prices are expected to rise sharply this season as production in the Konkan region has dropped significantly. Traders say erratic weather patterns and pest infestations have reduced the crop by 60 to 70 percent, leading to a supply shortage in the market.
The impact is already visible in Pune’s Market Yard. Last year, between March 10 and 15, the market received 2,000 to 3,000 boxes of Hapus mangoes daily.
This year, however, arrivals have dropped drastically to just 150 to 200 boxes per day, raising concerns about rising prices ahead of Gudi Padwa on March 19, when demand for ripe mangoes traditionally increases.
Earlier this season, heavy rainfall in the Konkan region kept soil moisture high for a long time. Districts such as Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg experienced cooler weather until October, resulting in good flowering in mango orchards and raising hopes for a strong harvest.
However, sudden fluctuations in temperature and persistent humidity later damaged the blossoms, causing a large portion of the flowering to turn unproductive and reducing fruit formation.
The situation worsened due to a widespread infestation of thrips and hopper pests, which attack mango blossoms and young fruits. This led to flower drop, stunted fruit growth, and a decline in fruit quality. As a result, many orchards retained only 30 to 40 percent of the expected yield.
The reduced crop has disrupted the annual planning of mango growers. Rising labour costs, pesticide expenses, and maintenance charges have increased financial pressure on orchard owners. Some farmers have also avoided hiring traditional orchard guards, often brought from Nepal, due to the smaller harvest.
Weather disturbances in February and March further affected the remaining fruits. Light showers and high humidity damaged crops in several areas, while heatwave conditions caused additional fruit drop in some orchards, according to farmers.
“Changing weather conditions and the outbreak of thrips and hopper pests have significantly reduced production this year. Compared to a normal season, only about 30 to 40 percent of the expected crop has survived, so prices are likely to remain high for some time,” said Karan Jadhav, a mango trader at Pune’s Market Yard.
“Such a severe shortage has not been seen in nearly two decades. During Gudi Padwa, Hapus mango prices may reach between ₹2,500 and ₹4,000 per dozen,” said Arvind More, another trader at the Market Yard.
With supply limited and festive demand approaching, consumers in Pune may have to pay significantly higher prices this year for the prized Hapus mango.
