Traders checking stock of mangoes at a market in Hyderabad. , Photo Credit: Nagra Gopal
Unseasonal rains, hailstorms, and an outbreak of mango powdery mildew in the state have reduced the crop of the fruit by up to 70%, robbing them of their sweetness.
“The climatic conditions were not conducive for a good harvest. The main factors were hailstorm, winter rains and mango outbreak in Sangareddy region,” said Suchitra, a scientist at Fruit Research Station (FRS), Sangareddy. The impact of the climatic conditions can be gauged from the fact that FRS can obtain fruit from only 77 of the 400 varieties present on its property.
The adverse climatic conditions mean that eating the fruit is nothing less than a satisfying experience. “Rains occurred after the fruit ripened, which reduced the sugar content and dulled the flavour. Shelf life has also been affected,” said the FRS scientist.
Mangoes, including varieties such as Banganapalli, Subarnarekha, Neelam and Totapuri, have been one of the major export items from the region, according to data from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority. “Last year, I sent 130-150 truckloads of mangoes to Mumbai. This year, I have sent 18 trucks and will send another 15-18 trucks in the next few days,” said Mohammad Saleem, a grower and trader from Zaheerabad. Hyderabad is surrounded by mango orchards in the districts of Rangareddy, Sangareddy, Siddipet, Vikarabad and Medak.
“There used to be a three-day exhibition of 400 varieties of mangoes at FRS. This year, we had it for one day. We had trouble with the flowering stage in November-December when it was very cold and cloudy. Then there was major damage due to rain and hailstorm,” said Akhil Ahmed, a trader and grower from Kohir.
However, for mango connoisseurs who can afford to spend a bit more, the market is flooded with varieties from across the country, including Imampasand, Dasheri, Alphonso, Kesar, Malgoa and other mouth-watering varieties. But their price is in the range of Rs 150 and Rs 400 per kg.