In the coastal districts, a general shortage of mango growers has led to sourcing from other states and districts. This season, Karkala and Hebri have reported a favorable mango yield. Despite challenges like erratic weather and pest issues, some farmers, with support from horticulture department officials and agricultural experts, have cultivated mangoes successfully. Mango traders noted that although there has been a harvest in some locations, market prices remain stable.
The horticulture department manages a mango orchard near Ramasamudra in Karkala, with over 120 mango trees. Recent years saw older trees replaced with new saplings. This season, the orchard recorded a harvest of around three tons. Officials state that most mangoes will be available for sale at the Mango Fair in Doddanagudde, Udupi, from May 14 to 18.
In Hebri, farmer Annayya Shetty has cultivated mango varieties including Malabar and Totapuri across two acres. He harvested mangoes, filling 48 crates, supplied to wholesale traders. Mangoes from Hebri include varieties such as Mundappa, Benetta, Apus, and Wild Mango. From the Ramasamudra horticulture region, varieties like Apus, Benetta, Banganapalli, Totapuri, Mithayigiri, and Mallika Surnalli will be supplied to traders for the upcoming mango fair.
"With two acres under cultivation, we've had a good yield this year. Initially, there was a shortage of local mangoes in the market, but it's heartening to see that mangoes grown by local farmers are now reaching consumers," said Annayya Shetty, a mango grower from Hebri.
Source: Udayavani