Late flowering may help sale of mangoes escape virus’ fury

It’s because the flowering has been delayed due to climatic factors causing a further delay in its yield,” said A Jayapal, president of Salem district Mangoes and Fruit Sellers Association. 

Currently, a little more than half a tonne of mangoes in limited varieties are coming for sale in the district on a daily basis. “It may increase gradually to about five tonnes in a week. And once the peak season starts in May, more than 100 tonnes of about 50 different varieties will be available in the markets across the state. Whereas now, only mangoes varieties like ‘imam pasand,’ ‘senthoora’, ‘thottapuri’ and ‘alphonsa’ have come for sale,” he said.

This delay in yield in mango orchards has left farmers with no qualms. “In fact, the delay in mango production has come as a blessing in disguise for both the farmers and traders. Despite limited arrivals, the farmers do not get expected prices for their produce due to the ongoing lock down for COVID-19. A kilogram of alphonsa mango, which used to be sold for Rs 150 to Rs 200 in wholesale, is now a meager Rs 70,” said J Srinivasan, a whole sale mango trader from Salem district.

Mango yield was low in the previous years too. Then, drop in production led to increase in their prices due to high demand fetching better profits for farmers, unlike this season. Farmers lamented that the mangoes couldn’t fetch higher prices as the supply chain has been affected due to in-adequate transportation facilities following lock down due to COVID-19.

“Orders are pouring in from different parts of the state. But due to transportation issues, the supply

couldn’t be made to other parts and are sold only inside the district,” he said.

Mangoes harvested in Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts were mainly meant for pulp production, while the fruits from Salem have a unique taste and are favoured by people across the state.

Also large quantities are sent to neighbouring states and across the country by farmers.