According to fruit traders in APMC, the rainfall last week destroyed more than 20 per cent of the remaining crop, which was expected to hit the market by end of this month
Alphonso mangoes
Mango-lovers should start stocking up their favourite fruit. According to traders at the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Vashi, more than 20 per cent of the remaining produce of mangoes was ruined due to the untimely rainfall in the Konkan belt last week. They expect a rise in price by the end of the month.
Unseasonable rain in the Konkan region has destroyed more than 20 per cent of the remaining mango produce, which might push up prices next month. File pic
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On May 7, the Konkan region witnessed unseasonable rainfall hitting the mango belt, which includes Guhagar, Dapoli, Ratnagiri, Khed and Chiplun areas. APMC traders added that Alphonsos were the most affected variety of the fruit in the windstorm.
Balasaheb Bende, president of Fruit Merchants Welfare Association of APMC, said, “The best time for consumers to buy mangoes is now, as the prices are stable. The situation will not be the same in another 15 days, as the rainfall in Konkan belt will affect supply. Usually, availability of mangoes in the month of June is unusual. But this time the supply is expected to go down further.”
Bende also revealed that they are expecting a low turnout of Alphonsos from Gujarat due to unfavourable climatic conditions. After Maharashtra, Gujarat is the biggest producer of the fruit. After the ban on import of mangoes by the European Union on May 1, prices dropped sharply. Major fruit markets in the city were flooded with different varieties of mangoes.
Despite that, traders warned consumers to expect a shortage of mangoes next month. Alphonsos coming from the Konkan region are expected to be available by the end of May. Traders claim they cannot predict the actual price rise, as only the time of supply in the market will determine it.
Rs 50 lakh
Estimated loss of crop due to untimely rains in Konkan
Rs 150-300
Present wholesale price of Alphonsos per dozen
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