DFNet

November 19, 2023 | Produce Report |

Bali is grappling with an extended drought, attributed to the El Niño phenomenon, impacting mangosteen quality. Since July, the island has experienced abnormally dry conditions, leading to deformed and spotted mangosteens. While Bali exported 9,000 metric tons of mangosteens in 2019, subsequent disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, affected shipments to China. Despite a gradual recovery in export volumes since late 2022, growers now await rain to restore mangosteen quality. Jro Putu Tesan, head of the Bali Mangosteen Producers Association, warns of price declines if mangosteens are sold only domestically. The association seeks government support, including water pumps for orchard irrigation, to improve fruit quality during harvests between October and December. Current market prices fluctuate between 20,000 and 60,000 Indonesian rupiah ($1.30–3.89) per kilogram.

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