May 05, 2025 | The Hindu |
Mango farmers in Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts of Andhra Pradesh are facing significant concerns over reduced crop yield and fruit quality due to unseasonal and adverse weather conditions. Early-year fog and cold temperatures disrupted fruit setting, while recent gusty winds further damaged flowering and ripening stages. Farmers like K. Yerrinaidu, who owns a 10-acre orchard in Theeda village, expressed concern that regional mangoes will only hit markets after May 20, unlike mangoes currently sold from Nuzvid and Godavari districts.
According to the Horticulture Department, nearly 11,800 farmers cultivate mangoes over 8,000 hectares in Anakapalli, while 500 farmers grow them over 300 hectares in Visakhapatnam. Anakapalli District Horticulture Officer G. Prabhakara Rao estimates a 50% drop in yield this year due to persistent weather challenges.
Rao added that the Banginapalli variety is expected in the market from May 15. However, reports of artificial ripening using calcium carbide prompted inspections by the Food Safety Department in Payakaraopeta and Narsipatnam. Consumers are advised to wait until mid-May for naturally ripened fruit. The current price of Banginapalli mangoes at Rythu Bazar is ₹80 per kg, with potential price drops expected after the third week of May as supply increases.
