May 05, 2025 | The Hindu |
In Andhra Pradesh’s NTR district, unseasonal rains, strong winds, and black thrips infestations in April have severely impacted mango production, reducing yields from the usual 4–5 tons per acre to 2–3 tons. With 23,000 hectares under mango cultivation, farmers faced heavy losses as ripened fruits fell during harvesting time. Particularly affected are mandals like Vijayawada Rural, G. Konduru, Mylavaram, and Tiruvuru, where the Banginapalli variety dominates 80% of the cultivated area.
Farmers like T. Srinivasa Reddy and Sundavarapu Murali Kishore report damage to 90% of their harvest, forcing them to sell fruits locally at low prices instead of transporting them to markets like Nunna. The cost of transportation and reduced quality have further eroded profit margins. Prices for top-grade mangoes have dropped from ₹40,000 to ₹15,000–20,000 per tonne.
District Horticulture Officer P. Balaji Kumar confirmed that around 3,000 hectares were severely affected, and the government has been urged to provide assistance. However, as the fruit was damaged—not trees—standard compensation rules do not apply. An insurance scheme offering ₹41,000 in coverage has been introduced, but with only 279 farmers paying the ₹2,050 premium, uptake remains low. It’s uncertain whether those insured will receive compensation.
