Alphonso mango price falls due to high production, low exports - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

The prices of Alphonso, the king of mangoes, witnessed a sharp fall of upto 50 percent, following an increase in production and low exports, in Mumbai Vashi area. In Mumbai, the price of mangoes currently ranges from 60 rupees to 600 rupees per dozen, but are expected to decrease over the next fortnight. Fifty to 100 years earlier, mangoes were only cultivated in Maharashtra in huge numbers but now, other states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat have also witnessed high production. "From previous year, there is 20-25 percent increase in the production of mango...and this year, we have received large amounts, and after 15 days or so, we will receive even more. Its price is going to be decreased. There is a lot of production in Gujarat and Maharashtra...30 percent (production) in Karnataka...the production this year, all over India is very high. In Uttar Pradesh, there is 100 percent production," said Babanrao Hande, President of the Fruit and Vegetable Merchant Association. Mango exports, according to Hande, have not increased to countries such as the US and the Middle East over the past few years due to the global recession, and have remained at only 15-20 percent, the same as last year. However, mango production has gone up significantly, he said, adding that if 100 truckloads of mangoes were brought into the market a few years ago, the number has now gone up to 2,000. Hande said that agricultural and technological advancements are responsible for the increase in production, which has led to reduced prices. "It is a good market. Mangoes are 200 rupees per dozen. The price is good at 175 to 200 rupees.," said Maganbhai Oza, a customer. The Alphonso is one of the best mangoes in terms of sweetness and flavor and grown mainly in western India.