Tamil Nadu - Others   

Mango yield expected to drop by 40 per cent

Staff Reporter

Farmers hopeful of getting good price

POOR SEASON: Heavy rainfall and delayed flowering have reduced the yield. - Photo: N. Bashkaran

Krishnagiri: It is a delayed mango season in Krishnagiri district this year and the yield is expected to drop by 30 to 40 per cent when compared with the bumper yield last year.

Interestingly, the western parts of Kaveripattinam, Pocchampalli and Santhur, which experienced good flowering, will get yield similar to that of last year.

Cultivable land

Krishnagiri district accounts for more than 47 per cent of the total mango production in the State with a cultivable land of 32,000 hectares in Kaveripattinam, Bargur, Pocchampalli, Mathur and Uthangkarai followed by Dharmapuri district with 8,000 hectares.

The yield was so high last year that farmers had to throw away the fruits to maintain the prices, which had fallen due to excessive flooding of mangoes in the market.

Similar prospects

The other mango producing districts of Salem and Dharmapuri and neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka also face similar prospects. However, farmers are hopeful of getting a good price due to a reduced yield.

"Heavy rainfall during November and December and delayed flowering in three phases from December end to first week of March have resulted in more of vegetative growth this year. As a result, the yield has drastically come down and prices are bound to increase.

"The average price, which was Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,000 for a tonne for Tothapuri and Rs. 14,000 to Rs. 15,000 for a tonne for Alphonso last year, is expected to increase by 60 per cent this year. A clear picture will be available only by April end," said G. Venkatasamy, the president of the Dharmapuri District Fruit and Vegetables Processors Association.

Pulp production

Prices of mango pulp in the International market are also expected to increase by 25 to 30 per cent this year.

The average price for a carton for Tothapuri mango pulp, which was 9 $ last year, is likely to increase to 10 $ this year.

The total production of mango pulp in Krishnagiri district, which was 55,000 tonnes (3,000 containers)the previous year, is expected to be a mere two-third this year. Because of the increase in prices, buyers may wait and watch the market condition.

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