Visakhapatnam: Anticipated heavy rains in December of the previous year have raised concerns about a significant drop in mango production across Rayalaseema and coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh.

The adverse weather conditions are projected to lead to a potential 40% reduction in mango yield, which could consequently drive up the prices of the beloved summer fruit.

This downturn in production may particularly affect the premium Banganapalli variety, a flagship export product of the state.

Andhra Pradesh stands as one of the nation's leading producers of Banganapalli mangoes, renowned for their exquisite flavor and quality.

However, the untimely heavy rains experienced in certain regions of Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra Pradesh in December 2023 adversely affected mango flower formation and fruit development processes.

As a result, experts predict a substantial decline in mango production, especially in districts like Krishna, Annamayya, Chittoor, and Vizianagaram, known for cultivating superior export-grade mango varieties.

Most mango growers in Andhra Pradesh specialize in cultivating a diverse range of mango cultivars, including Banganapalli, China Rasalu, Pedda Rasalu, Totapuri, Neelam, and Suvarnarekha.

While Banganapalli remains the primary choice for exports, there is also significant demand for the Suvarnarekha variety in the global market.

M Venkateswarulu, additional director of horticulture, expressed concerns about the potential impact of the December rains on this year's mango production, estimating a decrease of 40-45%.

Although it is premature to predict market prices, he anticipates that mango farmers may benefit from higher profits due to the reduced supply.

The state currently cultivates mangoes across approximately 3.75 lakh hectares, with an estimated annual production ranging from 46 to 50 lakh tonnes.

However, the expected decline in yield could reduce production to around 7-8 tonnes per hectare, significantly below the average yield of 10 to 12 tonnes per hectare.

Mango traders like Naidu K from Visakhapatnam have already observed a surge in prices, with premium varieties like Alphonso commanding rates between 700-800 per kilogram, marking a 50% increase from last year's prices.

Given the anticipated shortage in mango yield, some traders foresee challenges in meeting the demand, potentially limiting access to mangoes for many households this season.

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