The Hindu Business Line : Uncertainty over mango crop this year in Maharashtra

Uncertainty prevails over this year's mango crop as it has been beset with untimely rains, hailstorms and prolonged winter. And bearing the brunt of the inclement weather has been the crop in the Konkan region, which accounts for 90 per cent of the State's mango.

On three occasions, since the beginning of March, rains have lashed the region. It rained heavily on April 13 and14, coupled with heavy winds that led to substantial losses. The prolonged winter also affected the flowering process of the crop.

According to a source in the Navi Mumbai's APMC (Agriculture Produce Market Committee) market, the arrivals in the market have fallen as much as 40 per cent. Since the start of the season on March 15, only 97,000 cases of mango have reached the APMC market, against one lakh cases in April during a normal season.

The panic caused by the mango crop damage was reflected in the Legislative Assembly, which adjourned twice on Friday.

The former Chief Minster and leader of Opposition, Mr Narayan Rane, demanded that the Government give compensation to the mango farmers on the lines of compensation given to sugar farmers.

"The State Government had assured the Assembly that it would provide financial assistance to the farmers of the Konkan region for loss of their mango crop due to untimely rains and hailstorm. But nothing has been done so far," Mr Rane said.

The State Horticulture Minister, Mr Vinay Kore, said the Government had ordered a survey to assess the damage to crops. The Government would spell out its policy decision on compensation by Saturday on the floor of the Assembly after consultation with the Chief Minster, Mr Kore said.

However, some traders in APMC have challenged the fact that there is a mango scarcity at all.

According to Mr Ashok Hande, adviser to the Fruit Merchants Association of APMC, mango is available abundantly and the prices are stable.

Mr Milind Manerikar, an agriculture expert based in Belgaum, told Business Line that mango trees shed fruits due to heavy rain and wind. "Once the fruit hits the ground, the tissue gets damaged and the fruit becomes unpalatable. Excessive rains, especially during the fully ripened stage, increase the water content in the fruit. Such mangoes can only be used for making fruit pulp."

In Mumbai, mango costs Rs 250— 300 a dozen, and there is a likelihood that prices may rise with reduced supplies.

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