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The Hindu
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Why are mangoes covered with fruit bags? How much do they cost?
Farmers in Telangana are embracing a technique — fruit bagging — to protect and enhance quality of mangoes. These specially designed double-layered bags, with a brown or beige outer layer and a black inner layer, cost around ₹2 to ₹2.5 each. They are proving to be a game changer as they keep away fruit flies, ensure a blemish-free, uniformly coloured mangoes, and reduce the need for pesticides — a major concern for consumers. A farmer from Mahabubnagar, Muralidhar Reddy, who exports mangoes said: 'I was specifically asked by an exporter if the batch of mangoes being sent were bagged'. In India, 'King of fruits' are mainly cultivated in States like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Gujarat. What damages mangoes? According to the Fruit Research Station (FRS) in Sangareddy, the mango crop is vulnerable to fruit flies, unseasonal rains, increased humidity and other changes in temperature. Fruit flies lay their eggs in the flesh, and when the eggs hatch, the larvae eat the flesh causing significant damage to the fruit. To prevent this damage, farmers commonly use pesticides. How are fruit bags useful? Information from the Centre highlights how the bagging technique is a safer and sustainable alternative as it protects the mango crop from insects such as mango hoppers and fruit flies, and the vagaries of weather — heat, wind and rain. The bags prevent pesticides from coming in contact with the fruit and allows the fruit to grow without any spots or marks making it ideal for exports. The bagging technique is effective on mango varieties such as Banginapalli, Himayat, Kesar, and Daseri. However it is not suitable for all varieties of mangoes. Senior scientist and head of the FRC, V. Suchitra said that for varieties such as Suvarnarekha and Tommy Atkins, the bagging technique is counterproductive. 'For these varieties, the bags must be removed around a week to 10 days before harvesting.' Ms. Suchitra also highlights that without inspection of the mangoes the bagging technique should not be used. She said: 'The fruits must first be checked for signs of infestation.' She warns that covering infested fruits can worsen the problem as was observed in Jagtial. Bags distributed in Mahabubnagar This year, under the Cluster Development Programme, fruit bags were distributed to farmers in Mahabubnagar at subsidised rates. Telangana Horticulture and Sericulture department, Director, Shaik Yasmeen Basha said that the distribution of fruit bags to mango farmers will be expanded to other districts in the coming months. Timing for bagging the fruit K. Venugopal, District Horticulture and Sericulture officer (Mahabubnagar) said that timing is very important when using the bagging technique. The ideal stage for bagging is when the fruit is 3 cm in diametre. The centre's information manual details the height at which the bags have to be tied and sealed. Mr. Venugopal highlighted that Himayat mangoes (mature but unripe) that were not bagged, were green in colour, whereas the fruits that were bagged were golden yellow in colour.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Nuzvid mangoes bear the brunt of unseasonal rains
1 2 Vijayawada: Mango farmers in Nuzvid and surrounding areas are facing a season of despair after untimely rains and a severe fruit fly infestation damaged a major chunk of their crop. Following the outbreak, prices of mangoes have crashed in the open market, falling to a five-year low of 12,000 per tonne. This has left the farmers in deep financial distress. Mango farmers were initially optimistic about having a profitable season, as mango blossoms appeared around January and interstate exports started a month ahead of the usual schedule at Vijayawada mango market. The premium Banganapalli variety fetched as high as 64,000 per tonne in early March. This raised the farmers' hopes. However, heavy rains in the first week of April damaged the ripening fruits. The wet conditions led to fungal infections like sooty mold, while the sudden spread of fruit flies from the second week of April devastated the remaining crop. Despite increased pesticide use, farmers could not stop the damage. Adding to their woes of the mango growers, traders who had paid advance amounts, are now backing out. "They're demanding we return the advance amounts. We are helpless," said K Rama Subbaiah, a farmer from Agiripalli. In open markets, brokers are refusing to buy Banginapalli and Chinna Rasam varieties due to quality issues.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Andhra Pradesh aims to produce two lakh tonnes of export quality mangoes in two years
Visakhapatnam: The horticulture department in Andhra Pradesh is working to increase the volume of mango exports to various countries, including the UK, Australia, the Middle East, and the USA. To achieve this goal, the department plans to train farmers in three regions of the state to produce at least two lakh tonnes of export quality mangoes in the next two years. Andhra Pradesh is one of the largest producers of mangoes in the country, with districts like Eluru, Krishna, Annamayya, Chittoor, Tirupati, and Vizianagaram being home to some of the best export-quality mango varieties. The state grows a range of mango varieties, including Banginapalli, Chinna Rasalu, Pedda Rasalu, Totapuri, Neelam, and Suvarnarekha, with Benishan or Banginpalli being considered a premium table variety suitable for exports. Mango cultivation in Andhra Pradesh covers an area of 3.75 lakh hectares, with an estimated production of around 40 to 50 lakh tonnes. The average production of mango in the state is 10 to 12 tonnes per hectare. To give a boost to mango farming, the horticulture department has introduced mango cover technology, which has resulted in improved yields. The cover bags have helped save the crop from extreme weather conditions and pests, additional director, Horticulture, Dr CB Harinatha Reddy told TOI. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software Expertinspector Click Here Undo Though Alphonso variety of mango is considered superior of all mangoes, Banganapalli variety mango grown in parts of Andhra Pradesh is the ultimate. The demand for the Banganapalli mango grown in Rayalaseema region and Nuzvid area of Eluru district has been increasing in the global market. The horticulture department has supplied fruit covers worth over ₹20 crore to thousands of farmers, covering around 10,000 hectares of land, at subsidized prices in the current mango season. The results have been impressive, with the fruit being bigger in size and having a perfect appearance. The department aims to produce at least two to three lakh tonnes of export-quality mangoes in the next two years. Despite challenges like climate change and pests, which have hit mango production in some regions, the demand for Andhra Pradesh's mango varieties, particularly Banganapalli, is increasing in the global market. The mango farmers in the region have managed to export around 600 tonnes of mangoes to other countries so far this season and are expected to export more in the coming weeks. The price of Banginapalli variety mangoes ranges from ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 per tonne, depending on the quality and size. By exporting mangoes, growers and exporters can earn at least 30 to 40 percent more revenue compared to the domestic market. Andhra Pradesh had exported over 4,000 tonnes of mangoes to various countries in 2023 and 2024, and the state is poised to further increase its mango exports in the coming years.
The Hindu
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Good harvest in Uttarandhra districts brings down mango prices in Vizag
A good mango harvest has brought down the prices of the fruit in Visakhapatnam as produce from the orchards nearby floods the city markets. Vendors putting heaps of mangoes for sale is now a common sight in almost every street and marketplace in the city. Several varieties of mangoes, which used to be sold for ₹100 per kg in the previous years, are now available at just ₹60, much to the delight of the mango lovers. According to marketing department officials, the influx of mangoes this season is primarily from Cheepurupalli, Rajam, and Kottavalasa in Vizianagaram district, as well as Kasimkota, and Narsipatnam in Anakapalli district. Popular varieties such as Banginapalli, Suvarna Rekha, Cheruku Rasalu, Chinna Rasalu, Pedda Rasalu, and Collector are widely available. The traders are procuring the stock from wholesale markets across the Uttarandhra districts and are setting up koisks throughout the city. A. Lakshmi, a vendor in One Town, said that she had purchased mangoes from the wholesale market in Kottavalasa and is selling them, starting at ₹50 per kg. G. Prasad, Estate Officer at Gopalapatnam Rythu Bazaar, confirmed that this season's crop was not only plenty but also arrived all at once, leading to a drop in prices. He noted that mango prices, which were around ₹100 per kg earlier, have fallen to ₹55 to ₹60 and may decrease further. Banginapalli (Local) is being sold at ₹65 per kg, while Suvarna Rekha is priced at ₹65 in the city rythu bazaars on Wednesday. Panukulu is available for ₹50. Cheruku Rasalu, also known simply as Rasalu, is being sold for ₹70 per kg. Chinna Rasalu and Pedda Rasalu from Nuzvid are fetching ₹80 per kg. However, premium varieties such as Panudu Mamidi, Kothapalli Kobbari, and Panchadhara Kanchelu, mostly sourced from the Krishna district, are priced at ₹100 per kg. 'Despite the availability of local produce, many consumers prefer the Krishna district varieties due to their reputation for taste and quality,' said Mr. Raju. With the fruit now abundantly available and prices significantly reduced, many people are seen buying mangoes in bulk quantities from local markets. 'Who would want to miss out on mangoes in the summer? My children love eating Banginapalli along with their lunch. We are making the most of the price drop,' said Ginni Swathi, a resident of MVP Colony.
New Indian Express
12-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Andhra's Nunna mango market witnesses peak season
VIJAYAWADA: The Nunna Mango Market near Vijayawada is bustling with heavy mango arrivals and exports as the peak season, from May 10 to May 22, is underway. Farmers are bringing large quantities of Banginapalli, Cheruku Rasalu, and Totapuri varieties to the market to prevent losses and minimise fruit damage. Currently, around 600 tonnes of mangoes are arriving daily, while 500 tonnes are being exported. Despite the high volume, traders and farmers are discontent as mango prices have dipped. Banginapalli fine quality, once priced at Rs 60,000 per tonne, now sells at Rs 30,000, while general and good quality varieties range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000. Cheruku Rasalu is also being sold at Rs 30,000 per tonne for top quality.
