We’re All Aam Aadmi – India’s not the biggest mango exporter but the fruit is at its sublime best here. Sad that output is hit by weather

Source: The post is based on the article “We’re All Aam Aadmi – India’s not the biggest mango exporter but the fruit is at its sublime best here. Sad that output is hit by weather” published in The Times of India on 15th June 2023

Syllabus: GS 3 – Transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints.

Relevance: About India’s Mango Production.

News: Unseasonal weather has drastically reduced the expected mango yields this year.

How weather patterns destroyed Mango production?

Due to fluctuations in weather patterns, UP, the largest mango-growing state’s, yield may damage 30-40% of this year’s crop.

For example, Malihabad, home of the Dussehri variety, was on its way to a bumper crop until mid-March but then unexpected showers destroyed flowers before they could become fruit. This will reduce the yield up to 80%. Last year, it was extreme heat that did the damage.

Alphonso in Maharashtra and Kesar in Gujarat also face a shortage in yield, thereby increasing the prices. But, there’s a bumper yield in Malda, Bengal.

About India’s Mango production and exports

India grows around 1,500 mango varieties. The unique and complex flavours of different desi mangoes set India apart from bigger exporters like Mexico and Thailand.

Exports have remained below potential. This is because, a) Domestic demand has remained very high, b) This diversity-friendliness has a challenge too. For example, the mango’s fruition is so dependent on specific temperatures at specific times.

Mangoes need to have two qualities, they need to be sweet and there needs to be plenty. Not all varieties can get impacted by climate change. India should capitalise on that.