According to Vivek Bhide, President of the Konkan Hapus Amba Producers' Cooperative Society, only 30% of Alphonso mangoes will reach consumers this year. The primary reason for this sharp decline is the lack of cold winter temperatures, which are essential for a good mango harvest.
Farmers from Sangameshwar and Ratnagiri report a production drop of up to 75%. Farmer Nandkishore Jadhav shared, "After December, my trees neither bloomed nor bore fruit. Even though prices are double compared to last year, we are struggling to cover production costs."
Mango trees typically bloom during winter, and fruit formation occurs within 60 days. However, the unusually warm winter and early onset of extreme heat have disrupted this cycle.
In the Konkan region, including Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, and Raigad, temperatures have exceeded 39°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued multiple heatwave warnings for the region since early March.
Vivek Bhide stated, "There were no flowers in November-December, and while blossoms should have appeared in February-March, it hasn’t happened this year. This has severely impacted mango production, leading to a significant decline."
Wholesale markets in Mumbai are witnessing significantly lower mango supplies. According to trader Sanjay Panasare, the mango season typically begins in January and peaks after March 15. However, this year, arrivals will be delayed.
The season is now expected to start around April 4 and conclude by mid-May. With reduced production, Alphonso prices may skyrocket, making it an expensive fruit for consumers.
The Konkan region plays a crucial role in Alphonso mango exports. However, this year’s limited supply is expected to push prices even higher.
This situation is causing distress for both farmers and consumers alike. If production remains low, Alphonso mangoes may become rare in the market, leaving consumers struggling to afford or even find them.
