In India, the Hapus mango season in the Konkan region of Maharashtra is ending earlier than expected due to late rains and an early monsoon. According to traders, Maharashtra's Hapus mangoes will only be available in the APMC market until next week. Production has dropped to just 25% due to blossom loss from previous rains. Farmers had hoped for a strong second blossom, but the limited fruit from both blooms has extended the season only until mid-May.
Many orchards in the Konkan region are now empty, and while the Navi Mumbai APMC initially saw a substantial influx, arrivals have dwindled sharply in May. Traders anticipate the final shipment of Maharashtra's Hapus next week, though mangoes from other regions will continue to be available. Unpredictable weather, especially since early May, has affected Hapus availability. Devgad Hapus from Sindhudurg has dominated the Mumbai market, selling for prices between $120 and $145 per box.
Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, a widespread pest infestation has affected mango crops in various regions, especially Malihabad. Rising temperatures have contributed to the pest problem, with insects such as the paired fruit borer and the semilooper damaging the fruit. These pests cause scarring, reduce market value, and compromise the taste of the mangoes. According to T Damodaran, Director of the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), the pests are laying eggs on developing fruits or their stalks.
Although farmers who use protective bags on fruits are seeing lower pest damage, many small farmers cannot afford this measure. Those without bags are advised to use targeted sprays at pest hotspots. The paired fruit borer is particularly damaging, laying eggs at the junction of two fruits, while the semilooper targets young fruit skins. As temperatures continue to rise, the risk of infestation grows, making pest control a significant challenge for mango growers in the region.
Source: Lokmat Times