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Mango growers in Tamil Nadu’s Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts are experiencing delayed flowering, which could reduce yields and increase irrigation costs as summer nears. Typically, mango trees flower between December and January, but this year’s delay of nearly a month may prolong the ripening period, intensifying water demand amid rising temperatures. Farmers are calling for government support, particularly subsidies for irrigation if a heatwave occurs. The region has already endured two challenging seasons, extreme heat in 2023 affected 90% of mango orchards, while a hopper fly infestation caused widespread damage in 2022. Officials attribute the delay to heavy rainfall from Cyclone Fengal but expect flowering to stabilize as temperatures rise.
Alphonso (Hapus) mangoes from Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra, have begun arriving early at Pune’s Gultekdi Market, with daily shipments of 30 to 40 boxes, primarily from Devgad taluka. Traders expect arrivals to increase in the coming weeks, ahead of the usual mid-March season. Retail prices currently range from USD 60 to 240 per box, depending on size and quality. Growers credit the early harvest to favorable rainfall but remain concerned about high temperatures and potential fruit drop in water-stressed orchards. Despite these challenges, optimism remains high for a strong harvest, with peak arrivals anticipated in March and April.
Mango growers in Tierra Caliente, Mexico, seek government intervention to address unfair pricing by intermediaries or coyotes who purchase their produce for as little as 0.049 per kilogram (MXN 1/kg) despite market prices ranging from USD 0.98 to 1.47/kg (MXN 20 to 30/kg). This disparity has caused significant financial hardship for farmers, compounded by climate change-induced disruptions to the harvest cycle, including irregular flowering and extreme weather, which have reduced yields by up to 10%. The region cultivates approximately 14.1 thousand hectares (ha) of mango orchards, with around 8 thousand farmers exporting 3.3 thousand tons annually to primary markets in the United States (US), Japan, China, Dubai, and other parts of Asia and Europe.
Mango producers in Lambayeque, Peru, face a severe crisis driven by reduced flowering from the 2023 Cyclone Yaku and overproduction in 2024, leading to financial struggles. Frustrated farmers have threatened drastic protests, including dumping surplus mangoes on highways to demand government intervention. In response, Expo Mango was organized, facilitating the sale of 25 tons of mangoes through direct sales and culinary events to reduce waste and support growers. While the initiative raised awareness and encouraged local consumption, long-term solutions are needed to stabilize the region’s mango industry and ensure sustainable production.
In Peru, mango prices increased by 6.06% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 0.35/kg in W8, with a 29.63% month-on-month (MoM) rise due to reduced flowering earlier in the season, which limited supply and supported price recovery. Additionally, initiatives like Expo Mango have helped stabilize prices by promoting direct sales and reducing waste. However, mango prices dropped 64.29% year-on-year (YoY) due to excessive production in 2024, leading to market saturation, financial struggles among growers, and increased pressure to sell at lower prices despite ongoing protests for government intervention.
India's mango prices declined by 7.14% WoW to USD 0.52/kg in W8, with a decrease of 45.83% MoM. This is due to increased early arrivals of Alphonso mangoes from Maharashtra, which boosted supply ahead of the usual peak season. Additionally, delayed flowering in Tamil Nadu has not yet impacted market availability, keeping prices lower. However, prices surged by 100% YoY due to the significantly reduced yields in previous seasons caused by extreme heat and pest infestations, leading to tighter supply last year and a stronger price comparison.
Mango producers in Lambayeque should strengthen direct sales channels by partnering with supermarkets, wholesalers, and online platforms to absorb surplus supply and stabilize prices. Exporters can explore new markets in Asia and the Middle East, adjusting packaging and quality standards to meet specific import requirements. Producers should also invest in value-added processing, such as dried mango, purees, and frozen mango, to extend shelf life and create alternative revenue streams. Collaborating with food manufacturers and local retailers can further integrate processed mango products into domestic and international supply chains.
Mango growers in Tierra Caliente, Mexico, should develop direct-to-consumer sales channels to reduce dependence on intermediaries and secure fairer prices for their produce. This can be achieved by setting up farm-gate stores, participating in local farmers' markets, or developing Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs. For example, farm-gate stores allow consumers to purchase produce directly from the farm, fostering a closer producer-consumer relationship and ensuring growers receive a larger share of the retail price. Similarly, CSAs enable consumers to subscribe to regular deliveries of fresh produce, providing farmers with a stable income and reducing the influence of intermediaries. By adopting these direct marketing strategies, growers can enhance profitability and build stronger community ties.
Sources: Tridge, Agraria, Freshplaza, Krishakjagat, Millenniumpost, Oem, The New India Express, Udaipurkiran
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