In the Santebennur area of Channagiri Taluk, Davangere district, India, mango growers are transitioning to arecanut due to non-remunerative market prices and variable yields. Over the last decade, mango cultivation has decreased from 25,000 hectares to 7,773 hectares, with expectations of further decline.
The Horticulture Department indicates that badami mango, known as the Alphonso of Karnataka, is predominantly grown in Santebennur. This variety yields high in one year and lower the next, prompting growers to find it unprofitable. Arecanut, offering better returns, has become the preferred crop.
Davangere District Horticulture Department Deputy Director Raghavendra Prasad noted that Channagiri Taluk is a major badami mango cultivation area. In addition, mango is grown on approximately 30 hectares in Honnali and Nyamathi taluks. However, yield fluctuations and low prices have led growers to favor arecanut.
Channagiri Taluk Senior Assistant Director of Horticulture Sreekanth confirmed the declining mango cultivation area. He stated, "The price per quintal of arecanut is around $480 US$ or more throughout the year. It often increases in some months. But that's not the case with mangoes." This equates to approximately $480 per 100 kg, depending on exchange rates. Mango growers often lease out trees during harvest, which is less profitable compared to areca trees.
In organic farming, 200 mango growers received certification after the examination of their produce. Swamy, a mango grower, reported that farmers have reduced mango cultivation from over 10 acres to two or three acres, planting areca saplings on the remaining land.
Source: Deccan Herald