Difficulty To Mango Farmers

Mangos,most of people remind the fruit,when summer comes.This is year not good to the mango farmers.The farmers of Jagtial district, who made a mark in mango market with yummy benishan variety, stand to suffer a jolt this year; the reason being delayed flowering that led to low yield. Adding more woes to farmers’ sufferings were the traders and the commission agents.

While the extended winter played the spoil sport, the unseasonal showers combined with gales subsequently rubbed salt into the wounds of farmers. However, Jagtial’s benishan are most sought-after in the northern part of the country, the variety forayed late into Telangana market and has been doing well in the region. Thanks to the district administration’s branding and marketing strategies. 

Mango is one of the major crops in Jagtial district, which is regarded as one of the rice bowls of the State. The district is also known as horticulture hub with mango plantations spread over 27,000 acres with an average production of 3 Metric Tonnes (MT) per acre. The average production of the district is 80,000 MT per year. Of which, Benishan variety alone forms 90 per cent while the rest is other varieties such as Dasheri. 

Though the fruit hit the market a bit too late this season, farmers made around Rs 65,000 per tonne, initially. The market that started on a high note didn’t last long as the price plunged to Rs 45,000 per tonne in a matter of couple of weeks. Speaking to The Hans India, District Horticulture and Sericulture Officer J Prathap Singh said: “Compared to last two years, the yield fell drastically this season. Due to adverse climatic conditions, the crop suffered a delayed flowering. 

The yield fell to 2 MT per acre while the average yield is 3 MT per acre. As a result, we foresee a drop in mango production from 80,000 MT to anywhere between 50,000 MT and 60,000 MT this season in the district.” The official said that more or less the phenomenon is same in other parts of the State. 

Jagtial Market Yard secretary L Rajeshwari said that the market has so far witnessed the arrival of just 13,000 quintals. Market Yard Committee chairperson Sheelam Priyanka said: “It’s still early days to predict the market trend. Last year, the yard earned a fee of Rs 60 lakh through mango marketing. So far, the yard has earned just Rs 12 lakh through marketing fee. Currently, the price is hovering around Rs 45,000 per tonne.”