Here's why mango prices may skyrocket in Mumbai

Mango season is upon us, and honestly, seems to be the only advantage of the brutal heat that Mumbaikars are clinging onto. 'Well, at least we have mangoes,' we say as the harsh afternoon sun forces perspiration down our brows. 

But unfortunately, and somewhat uncommonly, mango production seems to be suffering this year. 

The fact that India's famously the world's largest mango producer is a source of great pride; so much so that we tend to gatekeep the fruit to a certain extent – despite producing 40-50% of the world's mangoes, less than 1% is exported. The rest is gobbled up in-house. That's why the fact that this year's mango yield is expected to reach barely 15% is a knife to the heart for so many Indians. 

A sizeable drop

The drop is projected to be as bad as 50-90% less yield! 

Reasons are mostly weather related: erratic weather patterns, extreme heat and rainfall shocks have disrupted mango harvesting in the Konkan region (Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka). Farmers of the beloved Ratnagiri mangoes are claiming immense financial distress, due to the low yield, the likes of which many haven't ever witnessed. 

In Karnataka, the annual Mango Mela in Dharwad has been cancelled due to the sharp decline in the region's yield of premium Alphonso mangoes!

Erratic weather could also be partly due to the Super El Niño. the exceptionally intense El Niño event – which will hit India in its entirety later in the year – is characterised by a rare, extreme rise in temperature in the tropical Pacific Ocean area. This leads to droughts and severe heatwaves.

While the quality of mangoes from the limited yield remain quality, it is predicted that a low supply might affect market arrivals and prices. Don't be surprised if mango prices soar this summer (₹8,000–₹15,000 per box!).