The rumours on setting up the State capital in Nuzvid during the mango season a few months ago may have a telling effect on mango exports from Andhra Pradesh, with many farmers disposing of their orchards to realtors of late.
The State exports horticultural products worth around Rs.40,000 crore every year in which mango has a bulk share. But, in the coming year mango production may come down as many farmers have sold away their lands.
Though the export figures this year suggest a good trend, officials feel the selling of orchards may have a deleterious effect on the exports in the coming years.
According to Deputy Director (Horticulture) B. Surya Subbarayudu, around 6,000 metric tonnes of mangoes are being exported to different countries from Krishna district every year. Mango export has increased by 5 per cent in the last few years. “ Banginapalli is the most sought after variety. Farmers are raising Venisha ( Banginapalli ) in 1.2 lakh acres in Nuzvid, Agiripalli, Nunna, Reddygudem, Vissannapet, Mylavaram, Tiruvur and other mandals in Krishna district,” said Mr. Subbarayudu.
However, many farmers have disposed off their mango orchards in Nunna, Nuzvid, Vijayawada Rural and other areas to realtors after being offered around Rs.2 crore and above per acre in the last few months. Many industrialists have also created ‘land banks’ in the region, expecting a realty boom.
“Mango gardens adjoining the main road were sold at Rs. 3 crore per acre and several farmers sold some thousands of acres. Later, capital location has changed to Guntur district. This year, the real estate activity will certainly affect the mango exports,” says Ch. Venkata Rao, a mango farmer.
Mangoes are exported to Singapore, Japan, USA, Sri Lanka and other countries, apart from being sent to Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and other neighbouring States.
Scientists of Mango Research Station, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Nuzvid, say that mango is being raised in about 4 lakh hectares in the State and the production is good in Krishna district.
