Low yield may make mango dearer

Consumers to bear the brunt as traders expect prices to go up three times higher than normal

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: This year, mango lovers in Karnataka and other parts of the country may have to shell out extra money to savour their favourite fruit due to a significant drop in mango yield.

The reason behind the low yield and shortage is believed to be unfavourable weather conditions during the flowering stage of the crop, particularly high rainfall. The state's Horticulture Department has predicted a 40-50 per cent drop in mango production this season.

As a result, traders expect prices to skyrocket to a three times higher level than usual. The shortfall is likely to not only affect domestic consumers but also the export market. Karnataka is one of the leading mango producers in India. The fruit is a significant contributor to the state's economy.

However, with the low yield, there will be a decrease in foreign exchange earnings as exports are likely to come down considerably, according to experts. The high demand for the fruit coupled with the low supply means that traders and farmers are likely to benefit from higher prices. But this comes at the expense of consumers who will have to bear the brunt of the high prices of the fruit.