SOURCE: Jahnavi T.R., The Hindu
It is most likely going to be a sweet year for mango growers in Karnataka, as the weather has been conducive so far for the crop. This comes after several consecutive bad years owing to weather and pest problems. The Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation (KSMDMC), after a meeting with a technical committee, has predicted a total mango yield of 12 lakh to 13 lakh tonnes for 2025.
While the corporation had predicted an average yield of around 10 lakh tonnes, the yield had dropped to a mere 30% owing to weather factors and pest attacks last year. Extreme heat had led to flowers withering away instead of becoming fruits.
“Mangoes require cool conditions for fruit formation and this year, the weather has been conducive. Even though flowering has been slightly delayed, we have predicted an on year, subject to weather not playing spoilsport. If there is no rain until fruits are formed, then by the second week of April, we will start seeing mangoes in the market. Those who treat their mangoes (for quick ripening) might bring their fruits earlier,” said C.G. Nagaraju, managing director, KSMDMC.
As always, the mangoes from Ramanagara district and other areas around it are expected to hit the market first, followed by those from Kolar, Chickballapur, and North Karnataka.
Despite good weather conditions, pest problems continue to pester mango growers. “We have issued advisories to control hoppers disease, inflorescence bud disease etc. We have also sent technical teams to all the districts to help the farmers,” Mr. Nagaraju said.
While farmers are also hopeful this year, the cloudy conditions and light rain over the last few days have pushed them to worry. “We did not need this rain at this time as the flowers are close to fruit formation. If the weather improves over the next few days and there is enough heat in the upcoming weeks, then we might have a good year,” said Dharanish Kumar, president, Kanakapura and Channapatna Mango Growers’ Association.
The popular Badami and Senthura varieties are expected to be available in the market before other varieties like Mallika, Bainganapalli, and Rasapuri. During 2024, the price of mangoes reached over ₹200 per kg for many varieties as the supply from the State was not nearly enough for the demand.