Andhra Pradesh, which is known for its Banganapalli variety of mangoes, has turned sour to mango lovers. The total production in the state, especially in Vijayawada and Chittoor districts which are claimed to be the mango belts, was hit by nearly 50% and exporters had to shift to other areas such as Tirupati and Hyderabad. Due to this, export of this premium brand has taken a beating and exporters have managed to send only about 1,000 tonne in this season as against 2,000 tonne exported last year.
The state is seeing a 50% shortfall in production this season. The state produces 38.7 lakh tonne mangoes over an area of 4.7 lakh hectare with an average productivity of six to eight tonne per hectare. The production of ?king of fruits? has been halved due to unseasonal rains during the fruit formation and gusty winds blowing away the flowers in major mango-growing areas, according to the horticulture department officials. According to few mango growers, usually, about 15 tonne are produced in an acre but this year, only six to eight tonne were achieved. Moreover, in the initial stages, there were incidences of delayed flowering and Thrips attack on the fruits thereby reducing the total productivity, according to horticulture department officials. The ?Mangu? or Thrips attack had affected in the coastal areas and most of the flowers, which were set to become fruits, withered off due to strong winds which almost rocked the whole tree.
On the export front, the premium range from the state which is Benishan or Banganpalli and Thotapuri, developed spots on the skin thus becoming unfit for exports. Though the sizes of the fruits were relatively better than last year, the quantity was less than last year, said a leading exporter.
Further, competition is brewing stiffly from Alphonso varieties from Maharashtra. Traders point out that Alphonsos are medium-sized, attractive and has longer retention period and are claimed to be fast selling brand in the foreign markets.