Pune: The arrival of Hapus mangoes, also known as Alphonso, has surged at Pune’s Market Yard following the Gudi Padwa festival. The daily supply has seen a significant increase, rising from 1,000 to 2,000 crates last week to an impressive 4,000 to 5,000 crates now. However, despite the boost in supply, prices have dropped in response to the post-festival dip in demand.
Hapus mango prices have fallen substantially, with the cost per dozen decreasing by ₹300 to ₹600, depending on the quality. Retailers are now offering a dozen for ₹700 to ₹1,200, a significant drop from ₹1,000 to ₹1,800 last week.
This year’s harvest has been impacted by unpredictable weather conditions in the Konkan region, which led to a 40% reduction in mango production compared to usual levels. The initial flowering phase saw a lower yield, resulting in fewer mangoes available at the start of the season. Though supply surged after Gudi Padwa, it initially lagged behind due to these weather challenges. While the current cloudy weather in Maharashtra is not an immediate threat to the mango crop, traders remain cautious about potential storms and heavy rains, which could lead to a drop in fruit yield. Experts suggest that future mango availability will largely depend on the region’s weather patterns.
