Mango prices in Uttar Pradesh, India’s largest producer of the fruit, have decreased by approximately one-third compared to last year due to increased availability, according to growers and traders. The well-known Dasehri variety now sells for Rs 40-45 per kg, down from Rs 60 per kg in the previous year.The decline in prices can be attributed to increased production and early harvesting by farmers who sought to protect their crop from anticipated early monsoon rains. This decision was influenced by the Indian Meteorological Department’s forecast of above-normal rainfall during the June-September period.“This year the mango production in Uttar Pradesh is estimated to be around 35 lakh metric tonnes, as compared to 25 lakh metric tonnes last year. There was 100% flowering of the mango trees, which indicates that the production will be good,” said S Insram Ali, president of the Mango Growers Association of India, according to an ET report.“It is unlikely that prices will go up in the coming weeks,” Ali said.Global mango production reached 25 million metric tonnes (MT) in 2024, with India contributing approximately half of the worldwide output. China and Indonesia followed with 3.8 million MT and 3.6 million MT respectively. UP contributes roughly 20% to India’s total mango production.Also Read | Forced to destroy! US rejects 15 mango shipments from India, exporters estimate losses of $500,000In Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati and Chittoor regions, Totapuri mango prices have plummeted as pulp manufacturers have halted purchases from local farmers. The situation worsened when farmers harvested their crop earlier than usual, anticipating the arrival of monsoon rains.The current season has brought significant losses to Totapuri mango cultivators due to reduced market rates and pulp factories’ delayed buying in the primary growing areas of Chittoor and Tirupati. According to Sudhir Reddy, a Tirupati-based mango trader, industry officials attribute this to unsold pulp stocks from the previous year.The mango market in West Bengal, a major producer state, has also experienced a sharp decline in prices, with premium quality mangoes now selling at Rs 45-50 per kg, down from Rs 80 per kg.“Production is good this year. Early plucking by the farmers has also resulted in prices falling,” said Prasanta Pal, a mango trader from Kolkata.
