Mango may come at a princely price

Badam variety of mango is grown predominantly in Mysore district. PHOTO: M A SRIRAM (TO GO WITH MYSBRNS1.15) - Badam variety of mango is grown predominantly in Mysore district. PHOTO: M A SRIRAM (TO GO WITH MYSBRNS1.15)

Mango, the king of fruits, could be dearer this year as a survey of two districts by scientists has warned of a decline in the crop output by one lakh tonne. The average annual production of the fruit in Kolar and Chickballapur districts has been around 4.5 lakh tonnes.

Severe water crisis in these two districts, which contribute to 40 per cent of the total produce, has affected mango trees on nearly 30,000 hectares, resulting in an estimated crop loss of Rs. 900 crore and affecting about 40,000 farmers, the survey says.

Poor monsoon in 2014, along with the gradual decline of water table, has been blamed for wilting of mango trees. The crisis in mango orchards has resulted in farmers migrating to urban centres.

READ MORE ON THE TOPIC:

> State to start export of mangoes

> Drought threatens the king of fruits

> Water scarcity drives farmers to city