Early picking and surplus crop drive mango prices down in India

Mango prices across several Indian states have dropped sharply this year, with Uttar Pradesh — the country’s top mango-producing state — seeing a decline of nearly one-third compared to last season. The popular Dasehri variety is now selling for ₹40–₹45 per kg ($0.48–$0.54), down from ₹60 ($0.72) last year.

The price dip is mainly due to a surge in production and farmers choosing to harvest early, aiming to avoid damage from expected monsoon rains. Weather forecasts predicting above-average rainfall prompted many growers to pick their fruit ahead of schedule. Industry estimates suggest mango output in Uttar Pradesh has increased from 2.5 million to 3.5 million metric tonnes this season, boosted by strong flowering across orchards.

Experts believe prices are unlikely to rise in the near term, given the high availability. India remains the world’s largest mango producer, accounting for about half of global output in 2024, followed by China and Indonesia.

Other mango-producing regions are also seeing losses. In Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati and Chittoor areas, prices for the Totapuri variety have dropped sharply after pulp processing companies delayed purchases due to leftover stock from last year. Many farmers in the region had also harvested early, fearing rain-related damage.

In West Bengal, another major mango hub, prices for premium fruit have fallen from ₹80 ($0.96) to ₹45–₹50 per kg ($0.54–$0.60). Local traders link the decline to strong production levels and premature picking by farmers trying to stay ahead of the rains.

source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

photo: alphonsomango.in