Delay in flowering of mango trees may hit AP mango trade

Vijayawada: The delay in the flowering of mango trees in parts of Andhra Pradesh, particularly Krishna and Vizianagaram districts, may impact the production and prices of the fruit in the coming season.

Due to the heavy winter rains and unfavourable climatic conditions in parts of the state, flowering has been delayed by over a month. This has impacted fruit-bearing to some extent, said officials.

Krishna and Vizianagaram districts in Andhra Pradesh are home to some of the best mango varieties (Banginapalli, Chinna Rasalu, and Suvarnarekha) in the country. These fruits are sold to other parts of the country and also exported abroad.

J. Jyothi, the assistant director of horticulture, Krishna district, said the delay in the flowering of mango trees may lead to a delay in the fruits maturing so that mango growers may not get the best price for their produce. The prolonged rainy season and the extended winter have also impacted the flowering. "We are hoping for a normal yield of mangoes in the coming season. If the spread of the virus decreases by April, mango farmers will get some good returns," she added.

While stating that low night temperatures and unfavourable climatic conditions have delayed the flowering of mango trees in Vizianagaram district, R. Srinivasa Rao, the deputy director of horticulture, Vizianagaram, said the farmers need not worry as the flowering will be complete within two weeks. He said the yield may come down by around 10% due to the delay in flowering and added that the yield will be good if there are no rains and gales during the next couple of months. Strong winds and rain may affect the flowers and result in lesser yield, Mr. Rao added.

AP weather, soil not perfect for Alphonso mangoes

Banginapalli is the king of mangoes in south India whereas Alphonso is considered one of the most superior varieties in terms of sweetness, richness and flavour in north India.

While the horticulture department has planted the Alphonso variety in parts of the state as an experiment, it concluded that AP's weather and soil conditions are not perfect for Alphonso mangoes.

Mr. Rao said diseases such as spongy tissue and blossom blight are being seen in the Alphonso variety in the region. "We observed that humid weather in our region is not fit for the Alphonso variety. When compared to Alphonso, our Banginapalli is the best fruit," he said.

AP's mango trade: Key points

Farmers grow Banginapalli, Rasalu, Totapuri, and Suvarnarekha varieties of mangoes in Andhra Pradesh.

· Nearly 70% of the total mango-growing area in AP is cultivating Banginapalli.

· Nearly 10% of mango from AP is exported to other countries.

· The state horticulture department plans to set up temporary ripening centres during the mango season.

· AP has about 4 lakh hectares under mango cultivation and produces around 40 lakh tonnes of mango.

· Banginapalli mangoes will be sold for Rs. 600 a dozen.

· Banginapalli, Rasalu and Suvarnarekha seem to be in demand among mango lovers.

· The average yield is 8 tonnes per hectare.

· Usually, arrivals gain momentum from the second week of April.