Cruel summer is also associated with holidays, and sweeter still, mangoes. But, this summer, the King of Fruits has let down those who’ve been waiting for the mango season to start. For, mangoes are in short supply at the Simmakkal wholesale fruit market that caters to the whole of south Tamil Nadu.
According to T. Kamaraj, Assistant Director (Horticulture), Madurai West block, rainfall deficit has resulted in poor yield in the mango-producing belt of Alanganallur –Palamedu–Kadavoor–Alagarkoil in the district. The situation is no different in Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Rain-fed mango farms in Madurai district have suffered around 90 per cent damage. Only those who have sunk borewells and installed drip irrigation facility in their orchards have managed to get some yield, he says. “The trees have almost withered and if there is no rain in the coming weeks, things will only get worse,” he says.
According to fruit vendors in Simmakkal, the market used to receive around 110 tonnes of mangoes a day. But the supply has dwindled to 10 tonnes.
Delayed arrival Arivuselvam, president, Fruit Commission Agents’ Association, says the arrival of mangoes has been delayed this year. There are various varieties in the market and on an average they are sold at Rs.75 a kg in wholesale and Rs.100 in retail. Farmers in neighbouring Dindigul and Theni districts are the worst-affected. “I don’t expect the supply to improve. The prices may rise steeply this season,” he says.
Five years ago, Imam Pasand was sold at Rs.30 a kg in the wholesale market, Sappattai at Rs.22 and Paalamani at Rs.15. Following a good demand last year, these mango varieties were sold at Rs.80 to Rs.100, say traders at the market.
Perumakki, a farmer from Naickenpatti, says three acres of his farm have been totally affected. “Devoid of rain, the mango trees have withered. This summer is disappointing for us,” he says.
Supply to firms hit The adverse weather conditions and high prices have taken a toll on supply to soft drink companies that buy mangoes for making pulp. These companies buy at a fixed price and refuse to negotiate, says Khader Hussain, a mango trader.
“Last year I traded 10,000 tonnes of mangoes, but this year I doubt if I can do a business of 3,000 tonnes. Drip irrigation is the best way of farming. Farmers must implement it to save their crops,” he says.
Among the summer fruits of mangoes, watermelons, oranges, grapes, etc., with its sheer variety, mangoes take its rightful place as ‘king of fruits.’ Demand peaks in May-June when the market is awash with a variety of mangoes. Some of the popular ones are Alphonso, Paalamani, Rajapalayam Sappattai, Neelam, Imam Pasand, Palakai and Kairi.
Sundaram, a hardware businessman, says every one at home loves mangoes and they have to cut down on the consumption of their favourite fruit this year.
