(Palakkad): Though the scorching heat has affected yield, mango growers in Muthalamada, Kerala’s mango hub, are expecting good business this season due to high demand and rise in prices. The drought-like situation in North India has caused a dip in mango production, which has driven demand for Muthalamada mangos.
Growers who have taken up organic cultivation are getting huge returns.
“The loss in production due to extreme summer conditions is compensated by the rise in demand and high prices,” said S. Guruvayurappan, a farmer and environmentalist.
Muthalamada mangoes reach the world market much before those of international competitors from Peru and Venezuela. Exports alone account for Rs.200 crore per season.
“Exporters have started flocking our villages. But, the size of mangoes is small compared to previous years. This may be due to climate change,” said Mohan Kumar, general secretary, Muthalamada Mango Merchants Association.
Fresh mangoes are taken in trucks to wholesale markets. Strict quality control is in place for mangoes meant for Gulf and European countries.
Muthalamada produces almost all most sought-after varieties of mangoes in India — Alphonso, Neelam, Mallika, Malgova, Chenthooram, etc. The panchayat has over 600 contractors, 36 registered exporters, and 20 mango-parking facilities.
These units provide jobs to as many as 15,000 people during the season as pluckers, sorters, and packers.
In the wake of allegations that the mango orchards use heavy dose of pesticides, many have come up this time with organically cultivated mangoes with a high price tag. Ashrayam, a local Non-Governmental Organisation, is now training villagers in manufacturing mango-based organic products.
