After a prolonged monsoon, mangoes hit the Indian markets at relatively higher prices

India is one of the leading producers of mango globally, with about 257K hectares of land devoted solely to mango cultivation as of 2019. The fruit is known as the “King of Fruits” locally and is enjoyed across the country in different culinary forms. More than 30 different commercial varieties are grown in India in the peak season, with Alphonso being one of the most famous types for exporting and domestic consumption.

Delayed Monsoon and above average rains delay the harvest

Since the beginning of 2021, it was expected that the arrival of Alphonso would be delayed in the upcoming season due to unpredictable weather conditions. Mango lovers had to wait till March as the flower cycling in one of the central producing regions of Maharashtra was affected by the prolonged monsoon.

The prolonged rains continued till October and were above the average rainfalls the region has witnessed in the past years. During the primary flowering months, showers in 2020 were 40% more than forecasted, directly impacting the harvest season of 2021 mangoes.

Ratnagiri, Sindudurg, Raigad, Palghar, and Thane are the central mango-producing regions in Maharashtra, covering about 150K hectares of land solely for Alphonso production. In the usual scenario, mango orchards in Maharashtra see full bloom in December, with more than 20% of the orchards fully flowered. This year only 5-6 % of mangoes were ready to be harvested and sold in March markets.

Source:WFP. Rainfall and Vegetation

Price effects of delayed harvest to be seen as mango enters the market

As March begins, Alphonso mango has arrived in the Indian markets and is ready to be consumed and exported worldwide. However, due to limited supply, it is expected that the price will be higher compared to the previous year. In the local markets, Alphonso mango prices are currently ranging between USD 1.10 - USD 2.06 per kg depending upon the size and quality.

Most farmers are pessimistic about the post-march prices as there will be an oversupply in the market due to the delayed harvest. Farmers would be desperate to sell their crop during this time as the domestic demand for mango crashes by May's last week. Alphonso mango prices may plunge as farmers sell their harvest in distress to cash their crops and gain liquidity.

Source:Price Charts, Tridge

Source

APEDA. "Product Profile Mango."

Financial express. "Alphonso — the King of mangoes — to arrive late in markets this year."

Tridge. "Price Charts."

WFP. "Rainfall and Vegetation."