Chennai: Unseasonal rains in neighbouring states of Karnataka and Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh have led to a sharp fall in the arrival of mangoes at Koyambedu, Chennai’s main market.
The decline is estimated at 70 per cent. Koyambedu market, which banks on mango production in bordering Telugu districts such as Chittoor and Nellore, is badly hit this summer leading to a doubling of prices in the wholesale market.
The market supplies fruit to three districts, Chennai, Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur.
“Only 60 tonnes of mangoes from Puthur and Nellore have been coming to the market daily this year against 200 tonnes last year,” said D. Srnivasan, Secretary, Koyambedu Fruits and Vegetables Merchants Association.
Banganapalli mango prices are at Rs 55 per kilo. “I remember buying the variety for Rs 30 at this time last year. It is disheartening that the king of fruits has become bitter to the economically poor,” said Vishnu .S, a slum dweller.
Part of the Koyambedu market, which depends on Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri, bore the brunt as exports started picking up in Bangalore, said P. Somasekar, a trader.
Weather experts blamed the absence of mango showers in January and February, which helps in pollination and ripening of the fruit. “Mango cultivation doesn’t require fertile land. But it is important that there are slight rains to balance dry weather conditions,” said plant enthusiast, Dr Bhaskaran.
