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The Hindu
6 days ago
- Climate
- The Hindu
Early monsoon in Telangana not to have impact on mangoes as 90% harvested
The arrival of monsoon two weeks earlier than the usual date in Telangana might not have a significant impact on the overall mango production in the State as majority of the fruits are already collected. Director of Telangana Horticulture and Sericulture Shaik Yasmeen Basha said that around 90% of mangoes have been harvested. Generally, in the second part of May, varieties such as Kesar, Banganapalli and Himayat are harvested. Officials of the Horticulture department said that some farmers, who had taken land on lease, would not want to lose the investment. In such conditions, when summer is interspersed with rain and more are expected, they opt for early harvest. District Horticulture and Sericulture Officer (Jagtial) G. Shyam Prasad said that late flowering of trees also pushes the time fruits are gathered. Of the 3.06 lakh acres of mango orchards in Telangana in 2024-25, the highest is in Jagtial: 37,38,000 acres. Mr. Prasad said that 80% of mangoes cultivated in the district are 'Benishan', which are harvested from late March to May-end. The tree flowers multiple times, and the farmers whose trees flower early get relatively more profits. Benishan is one of the favourites in northern India. Traders from there rent flats in Jagtial during the harvest season to coordinate the export of the fruits. This ensures that the fruit is not left unsold. The fruits harvested in June first week or later are usually priced more. A few farmers are hoping the rains will subside and waiting to harvest the fruits in the coming days.
The Hindu
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
A tale of sweet and tangy mangoes in Hyderabad
From April to June, Hyderabad transforms into a vibrant tapestry of golden hues as its streets overflow with an exquisite array of mangoes. Besides the fruits from various parts of Telangana, lorries laden with varieties such as Himayat, Daseri, Benishan, Alphonso and Rasalu roll in from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat. This season, however, the king of fruits had to weather quite a storm to reach the city. Early this year, unseasonal rains and winds struck Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, significantly impacting Hyderabad's primary mango suppliers. This flooded the wholesale markets with unripe kairi [unripe mango variety in Hindi], which jacked up prices (₹200-₹400 a kg) early in the season, until market forces ironed out the spikes. Batasingaram, the city's mango hub, handles 3,000 to 5,000 quintals of the fruit daily in peak season, with average prices pegged around ₹2,345 a quintal. Jambagh, another market, processes 500–800 quintals in the initial days of the season and 1,000-1,500 quintals in April. Vendors like Zubair in Kothapet are busy with customers, as buying mangoes becomes a cherished ritual for many in the city. 'Himayat is the favourite,' notes one vendor. 'We ripen these mangoes with calcium carbide just two days before sale.' Current prices are steady compared to last year, ranging from ₹70-₹200 a kg depending on the variety. Disparity in prices This mango season also presented a striking juxtaposition: traditional vendors vis-à-vis quick commerce giants who offer rapid doorstep delivery. While retail shops sell organic Banganapalli variety at ₹150-₹400 a kg, a quick-commerce establishment charge ₹79.12 a kg. Consumers are reluctant to buy the fruit from street vendors owing to concerns about calcium carbide. Abdul Qadeer, president of the Jambagh market, speaks for the vendors. 'Farmers follow regulations. The fear surrounding [calcium] carbide harms their livelihood. Where would smaller vendors turn to if consumers begin shopping online for supposedly fresh and organic products?' Concerns regarding artificial ripening has created a consumer section preferring farm-to-home alternatives. Raghavendra, who runs an online store, says he began selling mangoes online in 2011. He sources mangoes from Sadashivpet and Shamirpet and deliver them to homes in Hyderabad. For other cities, orders are routed via cargo buses. The appeal goes beyond convenience. 'These online services offer safer, organic options that I can trust,' opines Tahseen Farha, a customer from Attapur. The online market is also reviving lesser-known varieties such as Panduri, once exclusive to the elite. 'Last year, a customer sent us a photo holding our box outside a London landmark. That was surreal,' says Raghavendra, who has orders trickling in from European countries as well. Takers of tangy flavour Along with sweetness, there's also a desire for tangy, spicy flavours. Pavan, who runs a store in Kukatpally Rythu Bazaar, sees it every summer. 'This season noticed a drop in the sale of raw mangoes from 30-40 bags to 20 bags a day. People go to Andhra directly or order online,' he says. 'But this is our tradition, so we hold on, even if the profit drops.' Each mango here has a purpose: the tangy Tella Gulaabi for punchy pickles, sturdy Kothapalli Kobbari for shelf life and Jalaalu for the season's final flavour, all arriving from Nuziveedu, Kakinada, and Vijayawada. 'Customers still come to pick the right mango,' Mr. Pavan adds. Pickle brands are seeing a rise in digital demand. 'After COVID, more people started ordering online,' says Abhiruchi Swagruha Foods manager Sarveshwar Rao. 'Many send pickles to relatives in the U.S.' 'Our children are in other countries, but we don't want them to forget this taste,' says Lakshmi, a grandmother in her 60s. 'We may not all sit together and make pickles anymore, but at least I can send them the same flavours I grew up with.' Be it from roadside stalls, storied pickle shops or online farm-to-home startups, mangoes are the quintessential taste of summer for Hyderabadis. For them, the fruit is not just a delicacy, but a sentimental connection to culture, family and cherished memories. (The students are interning with The Hindu-Hyderabad)
The Hindu
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Mango cover technology to help farmers get higher yield
To give a major boost to mango farming, the Chittoor district administration has introduced an innovative 'mango cover' technology, which will result in improved yields and bring hopes to farmers through better market prices. Officially considered number one in mango cultivation in the State, and even competing at national level, Chittoor district produces a range of mango varieties, including Totapuri, Benishan, Mallika, and Alphonso. This contributes to the State's enviable position as a leading producer of both pulp and table varieties with an annual yield of 7.5 lakh tonnes, projecting a whopping ₹1000 crore plus turnover annually. However, mango farming has gone through many ups and downs during the last one decade due to a series of challenges. They include pest attacks, diseases, and adverse climatic conditions in the form of heavy rains, hailstrom and gales, which have affected the yield and quality of the produce. District Collector Sumit Kumar on Wednesday said that in order to help farmers overcome their losses and uncertainties surrounding mango cultivation, the Horticulture officials have come out with an eco-friendly solution in the form of mango covers — a thin and biodegradable iron-wire mesh which will cover each fruit on the trees. 'These covers shield mangoes from pests, birds, and adverse climatic conditions, and thereby ensure high-quality produce,' the Collector said. District Horticulture officer D. Madhusudhan Reddy, meanwhile, said that the use of mango covers had already started giving positive results. 'Each cover, priced at ₹2 per piece in the market, will be supplied to farmers at a subsidised amount of ₹1. Department of Horticulture will bear the subsidy costs, which in turn would enhance the savings of the farmers,' he said. 'For the current mango season, with May being the peak, we have distributed over 1.92 crore covers across Chittoor district. This will benefit the mango farmers, who can withstand the losses by covering the fruits spread over 2000 acres of land,' Mr. Reddy said. 'This practice will also enhance the quality and tonnage of the produce, increasing both domestic and export sales. We have received information from the farmers that the protective covers fetched them double the price compared to the previous years without any protection on the fruit,' the official said.
Hans India
06-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Ordinary technique reaps extraordinary returns
Tirupati: Mango farmers in Chittoor district are adopting an innovation, wax-coated paper fruit covers, that is showing measurable results. Apart from protecting mangoes from pests and physical damage, these simple covers are helping growers improve fruit quality and secure better prices, both in local markets and through export channels. Chittoor, often called the mango capital of the state, has over 1.5 lakh acres under mango cultivation and produces about 7.5 lakh tonnes annually. The district grows varieties such as Totapuri, Benishan, Alphonso, Neelum, and Mallika. Despite the scale, income for farmers has remained unpredictable due to market fluctuations and losses caused by insects, birds, weather, and fungal infections. This year, however, the widespread use of fruit covers - distributed with government subsidies - has helped reduce those losses significantly. These fruit covers, designed with a red or brown outer surface and a black inner lining, are tied around each fruit when it reaches the size of a hen's egg. They act as a barrier against fruit flies, birds, sunburn, and mold. Farmers report that covered fruits are cleaner, ripen uniformly, and command higher rates, especially in northern markets and exports. Surya Murthy, a farmer from Mittur village in V Kota mandal, has been cultivating Totapuri, Alphonso, and Benishan mangoes for over four decades. He used around 60,000 fruit covers this season. 'We saw a significant improvement in fruit quality and price. Covered fruits sold for Rs 10 to Rs 20 more per piece,' he said. The Horticulture department has scaled up support for this practice. In 2025, a total of 1.92 crore fruit covers were distributed across 1,928 acres in Chittoor. With subsidy support, the cost of using covers dropped to Rs 4,000–5,000 per tonne, compared to Rs 9,000 without assistance. Officials estimate that 6,500 to 8,000 tonnes of mangoes from Chittoor could meet export standards this year due to the improved appearance and uniformity of covered fruits. Even Totapuri, traditionally used for processing, fetched higher prices in markets outside Andhra Pradesh. To support market linkages, the district administration has facilitated meetings between mango producers and buyers. Exporters are showing increased interest in sourcing from Chittoor due to the consistent quality of produce. Chittoor District Collector Sumit Kumar urged farmers to continue adopting fruit covers and best practices. 'This support is helping farmers enhance their income and meet international standards. We encourage all growers to make full use of this opportunity,' he said.
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Koppal's Kesar mangoes delight taste buds and boost income
1 2 Koppal: Kesar mango harvest has begun in the district, offering succulent, sweet fruits. The horticulture department coordinates distribution and sales, with buyers from various regions anticipating these premium mangoes. The district's villages are renowned for their Kesar variety. As noted by Padmakal T, a seasoned mango trader from Mandya, "Koppal's Kesar mangoes attract traders from Hyderabad and Mumbai." These mangoes have flourished in more than 60 villages, recognised for their characteristic sweet-sour flavour. Local environmental conditions and soil properties contribute to their distinct taste, setting them apart from other regional varieties. This uniqueness has led to the creation of 'Koppal Kesar' as a distinct brand, with its roots in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district, highlighting the region's role in the fruit's development. Krishna Ukkund, senior deputy director of horticulture department, enhanced mango cultivation locally. "Eight years ago, I found that growers were cultivating both Kesar and Benishan mangoes. Despite the superior quality of Kesar mangoes, they were sold at a significantly lower price of Rs 10 per kg when compared to Benishan, which fetched Rs 30 per kg," he recalls. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Co-Founder of Google Brain, Andrew Ng, Is Reported To Have Read Every... Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo The horticulture department also conducted a workshop for mango farmers from 15 villages. About 1,000 cultivators learnt about farming techniques, organic methods, pest control, and drip irrigation. Sales reached Rs 1 crore in 2017, with farmers pricing the fruit at Rs 80 per kg and exporting 15 tonnes of Koppal Kesar variety. Govt assistance has enabled exports to Sri Lanka, Dubai, Bahrain, Bangladesh, and Europe. Krishna Ukkund explains that Koppal's climate, with summer temperatures of 42-43°C, suits Kesar mangoes perfectly, improving ripening, sweetness, and fragrance. Unlike Alphonso mangoes, which require high humidity, these conditions ensure consistent quality without sourness or sponginess. Koppal's Kesar mangoes ripen earlier than Gujarat's variety. Ambaresh Tatti, who owns a 900-tree orchard in Kaltavargera village, said: "Its early arrival, two months ahead of Gujarat Kesar, has played in our favour." The horticulture department offers support through training, saplings, and marketing. Despite Covid-19 challenges in 2019-2020, the department arranged 5,000 specialised boxes and established trade links. The deputy commissioner helped by providing green passes for transportation. Kesar mango cultivation has grown from 1,300 to 5,000 hectares across 60 villages in eight years. This year's projected yield is 60,000 tonnes, with farmers earning Rs 150-250 per kg based on quality. Srinivas Jalihal from Nilogal village anticipates Rs 14 lakh from his seven-acre mango farm this season, selling at Rs 200 per kg. Many farmers have achieved comparable results, inspiring others to grow Kesar mangoes. Koppal's mango sector continues expanding with departmental support and growing demand. Professional marketing, an appropriate climate, and farmer support have established Koppal as a leading mango production centre. Pics: Harvesting Happiness: Krishna Ukkund (L), senior deputy director of the horticulture department, has played a key role in promoting the Koppal Kesar mango variety; A cultivator of the Koppal Kesar mango variety showcases a tree laden with fruits
