Heat Waves Hit Alphonso Mango Farmers Hard in Konkan, Threatening Supply and Livelihoods
The Konkan region of Maharashtra, renowned for its world-famous Alphonso mangoes, is facing an unprecedented crisis this year. Unrelenting heat waves and the absence of winter have severely disrupted mango production, leaving farmers grappling with massive losses and an uncertain future.
A mango orchard owner from Sangameshwar and Ratnagiri talukas, paints a grim picture. “This season, my yield has dropped by 75%. My trees haven’t flowered or formed fruits since December. Even if I sell at double last year’s prices, I won’t recover my production costs,” he lamented. With limited stock, Jadhav is hesitant to transport his produce to Pune, where Alphonso mangoes are currently priced at ₹6,000-7,000 per box (four dozen). “Buyers are scarce at these rates, and the quantity I have doesn’t justify the transportation expenses,” he added.
A Drastic Decline in Yield
The Konkan region is witnessing a drastic decline in Alphonso mango yields this year, with only 30% of the usual production expected to reach consumers. This sharp drop is primarily attributed to the absence of winter, a crucial period for mango trees to flower and set fruit. Typically, flowering occurs during winter, followed by fruit formation within 60 days. However, the warm winter and relentless heat waves have severely disrupted this natural cycle.
Since January, the Konkan region—spanning Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, and Raigad districts—has faced multiple heat waves, with temperatures consistently soaring above 39°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued repeated heat wave warnings, further worsening the situation. Farmers are reporting excessive fruit dropping and a near-complete absence of flowering after November-December. For a steady supply of mangoes from March onwards, flowering should ideally occur in February-March, but this year, that critical phase has been entirely missed, leaving orchards barren and farmers in distress.
A Shortened and Delayed Mango Season
In Mumbai’s wholesale markets, traders are already feeling the pinch. A mango trader, revealed that the mango season, which typically begins in January and peaks after March 15, has been significantly delayed this year. “The season is expected to start around April 4 and end by mid-May. The entire production may be limited to this short window,” he said.
The erratic weather patterns have left farmers in distress, with dwindling yields and uncertain market prospects. Alphonso mangoes, a prized export from Konkan, are likely to see a sharp rise in prices due to the reduced supply, impacting both farmers and consumers alike.
As the Konkan region battles the dual challenges of climate change and economic uncertainty, the future of Alphonso mango farming hangs in the balance. For now can only hope for better weather and a more stable market in the years to come.
