Wait till March-end to feast on Alphonso mangoes

Waiting for prices to come down for a taste of this year’s Alphonso mangoes? The wait might be a bit longer than you anticipated. According to mango growers and traders, unfavourable climate conditions have led to a substantial reduction in mango produce this year.

Waiting for prices to come down for a taste of this year’s Alphonso mangoes? The wait might be a bit longer than you anticipated. According to mango growers and traders, unfavourable climate conditions have led to a substantial reduction in mango produce this year.

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So, consumers will have to wait till the supply of mangoes increases, taking down the prices.

Alphonso mangoes had started arriving at Vashi’s APMC market recently, but the prices were ranging between Rs800 and Rs1,200 a dozen.

Ismail Mukadam, a mango grower from Ratnagiri district, said the December rain had damaged mango flowers. “Usually, flowering starts in October or November, which turn into fruits by February. However, showers this December spoiled the flowers so we expect a yield only by mid-March.”

Supply of Alphonso mango will increase by March-end and will remain normal till May end, said Vijay Dhoble, mango trader at APMC market.

DV Makode, deputy secretary of APMC Market, said 70,000 to 80,000 boxes of mangoes are expected to reach the market daily in April and May. Prices, however, will be higher than last year.