As much as 25,000 tons of mango crop, especially the local variety, is said to have been lost in Adilabad this season owing to the unusually recurring unfavourable weather conditions.
The effect of the 50 per cent decrease in yield has begun showing itself now as there are hardly any arrivals of raw mangoes of the local variety used for making pickles. “The frequently occurring gales and unseasonal rains have had a telling impact on mango crop in all the 22,000 hectares since the stage of flowering itself. Fruiting in orchards in Nennel, Jaipur, Chennur, Kotapalli, Mancherial and Tandur mandals has come down to 50 per cent,” reveals Horticulture Extension Officer R. Swamy of the assessment made by his department.
Though Neelam and Baiganpalli varieties are available, people in Adilabad prefer Jalal and Rajpuri besides the plethora of local varieties of mango to make pickles. It is these varieties that have borne the brunt of inclement weather.
“Normally we sell between 35 and 40 quintals of raw mangoes per day at this time of the year. But, this time around, the sale is just 15 quintals,” says Rythu Bazar Estate Officer Rajkumar.
The dire shortage of the horticulture produce has not resulted in increase of its price. It is expected to go up once stocks are available in markets outside the district.
“The present price of Rs. 300 for 100 raw mangoes will double next month when other markets record arrivals. There are hardly any arrivals in markets in neighbouring districts”, says Bommena Rajesh, a retail mango seller in town.
