Hyderabad markets await arrival of mango as king of fruits falls prey to climate change

As mango arrivals at major markets of Batasingaram, Bowenpally and Gudimalkapur see significant drop, a kilogram of the fruit is retailing for Rs 200-400

Hyderabad: Changes in climatic conditions across the country have led to a delay in the arrivals of mangoes at Hyderabad’s markets.

The arrivals at the major markets at Batasingaram, Bowenpally and Gudimalkapur are seeing a significant drop.

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Due to this, mango vendors in the city are demanding a high price for the fruit, with a kilogram of mango retailing for Rs 200-400.

Usually, fruit markets brim with mangoes from the beginning of March. However, it is not the scene this year.

“Farmers told us due to climate changes, there is a delay in the trees bearing the fruit. The arrivals are picking up slowly and from the second fortnight of March we expect more vehicles bringing in the fruit,” said an official.

During the season, 10,720 quintals of mangoes or 650 truckloads have arrived at the markets from Vijayawada, Anantapur, Kurnool, Tamil Nadu and Mahabubnagar.

Five varieties of mangoes — Totapuri, Himayat, Pedda Rasalu, Benishan and Natti Mallika — are brought to the market by farmers. Last year, in February, 7,788 truckloads of mangoes arrived at the markets, while the figure was 4,556 this year. As on March 10, 502 truckloads arrived in 2024, while this year the figure is around 358.

Horticulture officials said there might be a shortage of locally grown mangoes due to hopper infestation. Mango hopper is a serious pest that can cause significant crop losses.

“Mango hoppers can affect fruit formation by damaging flowers, puncturing young fruits and weakening the plant. Due to the damage to the mango trees, the local supplies will be less,” said an official.

Different varieties, including Himayati, Pedda Rasalu, Chinna Rasalu, Daseri, Neelam, Mallika, Sundari, Pandari, Apusa, Lal Bagh, Malguba, Gola, Mahamooda, Rumali, Palanguava, Benishan, Totapari, Cheruka Rasalu and Langda, arrive at the city markets during the season.