Daijiworld Media Network – Lucknow
Lucknow, Jun 11: The beloved King of Fruits, the mango, has taken an unexpected fall from its throne this summer, with prices plummeting across major producing states, including Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal. The popular Dasehri variety is now available at just Rs 40-45 per kg — a sharp drop from Rs 60 per kg last year.
Growers and traders attribute the decline to bumper harvests and early plucking prompted by forecasts of an early monsoon. According to the Mango Growers Association of India, UP’s mango production is expected to touch a record 35 lakh metric tonnes, up from 25 lakh metric tonnes in 2024.
“There was 100% flowering of trees this year — an extremely positive indicator for yield,” said S Insram Ali, president of the association. “Prices are unlikely to rise in the near future.”
Impact Across States
• Uttar Pradesh: The country's largest mango-producing state has seen rates crash by over 30% due to abundant supply and early harvests aimed at protecting the crop from rain-related damage.
• Andhra Pradesh (Chittoor & Tirupati): Totapuri mango farmers face major setbacks as pulp factories delay procurement due to excess unsold pulp stock from last year. Prices here have nosedived, with many cultivators incurring losses.
• West Bengal: Premium varieties that earlier fetched Rs 80/kg are now going for Rs 45-50/kg. Traders like Prasanta Pal cite early harvesting and strong yields for the steep fall.
India remains the largest mango producer, contributing nearly 50% of the global output. In 2024, worldwide mango production was pegged at 25 million metric tonnes, with China and Indonesia trailing far behind.
However, despite the domestic abundance, India’s mango exports are facing hurdles. In a recent blow, the United States rejected 15 mango shipments citing quality issues — a move that could cost Indian exporters nearly $500,000, industry sources estimate.
As prices continue to slide, farmers are left worried and frustrated, especially those in Andhra and Bengal who depend heavily on mango sales for seasonal income. With no signs of rates recovering, the situation is becoming dire for many small-scale cultivators.
Meanwhile, mango lovers across the country can rejoice as markets and fruit stalls are brimming with juicy, affordable varieties — but behind every sweet bite lies the bitterness of farmer distress.