The economy  of the coastal districts of Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg in the Konkan region of Maharashtra has taken a major hit  following the nationwide lockdown.  Local sources of income have dried up  and the residents  are depending on  remittances  from relatives staying in other States and overseas.

Vivek Bhide, a former member of Maharashtra Horticulture Board,,said  the local economy depends on the four spokes of tourism, fisheries, mangoes and cashews. March, April and May are crucial months for income generation. 

The local economy gets a  boost in these months as tourists  visit the beaches and scenic destinations in the region.  Fisheries get a boost in these months  as the sea is calm and most conducive  to fishing. In fact, the three months are crucial for  the fishing business before the boats  are anchored for the monsoon season. However, due to the lockdown, both March and April have been a total washout and May could also be going the same way,  Bhide said.

Farmers’ woes

A faculty member  of the Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth,  an agriculture college at Dapoli, said that due to  excess rainfall  last year the  fruiting season was delayed and mango and cashew  crops  were expected in May but summer rains last week  have dashed  the hopes of farmers.  Moisture in the air will trigger  fungus attack, damaging the fruits. The Covid pandemic has also destroyed the export market, the faculty member said

A box of four dozen Alphonse mangoes now fetches  ₹1,000 while last year  it fetched ₹2,000  or more.

The faculty member added that the cashew business  was also impacted  as the excess rain last year reduced the crop yield this year and there is hardly any demand from  processing units.

Local businessman Amol Kambali from Mithgavane village in Ratnagiri district said  all his vehicles used for tourism and transporting of mangoes are in garage as there is no business.  Without income, he is finding it hard to pay the EMIs on his loans.

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