Climatic changes in India have caused a delay in mango arrivals at Hyderabad's key markets, including Batasingaram, Bowenpally, and Gudimalkapur. Vendors are responding to reduced supply by pricing mangoes between $2.40–$4.80 per kilogram.
Typically, mangoes flood the markets from early March, but this year presents a different scenario. An official noted, "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."
During the current season, 1,072 metric tons, or 650 truckloads, of mangoes have been delivered from regions such as Vijayawada, Anantapur, Kurnool, Tamil Nadu, and Mahabubnagar. Five varieties—Totapuri, Himayat, Pedda Rasalu, Benishan, and Natti Mallika—are supplied by farmers. Last February saw 7,788 truckloads, compared to 4,556 this year. As of March 10, 502 truckloads arrived in 2024, while this year only about 358 have been recorded.
Horticulture officials warn of potential shortages in locally grown mangoes due to hopper infestation. Mango hoppers pose a threat by damaging flowers, puncturing young fruits, and weakening plants. An official stated, "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."
Various mango 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, are typically available during the season.
Source: Telangana Today