Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Mar 11: 'King of Fruits', mango, has entered the market in a grand way. Because of demand that has not picked up, indigenous varieties of mangoes are in the market now. Those from the neighbouring states are yet to raid the markets.

Local varieties of mangoes like Badam and Kadri varieties are now being sold in the market. Alphonso and Mundappa varieties have started to enter the market in the last two days. Because of high prices, demand has not been encouraging, the mango dealers say.

Many varieties of mangoes like Neelam, Mallika, Chittoor etc come to the market here from Tamil Nadu and Bengaluru. There is a demand for all varieties of mangoes in the district. Even after the season started this time, the price of mangoes has remained over Rs 140 per kg. Kadri and Badam varieties command a price of Rs 140 per kg while Mundappa is sold at Rs 160 per kg, Alphonso is also priced at Rs 140.

In the coastal region, peak summer is between March and May. That is the period when the people flock to the shops selling cold drinks. The highest demand will be for mango juice. Because the mangoes are sold at high prices now, the juice is also is priced beyond the reach of the common man.

Because of coronavirus-related lockdown, mangoes from other states had not entered the market here, and Mango Melas were not held. Many mango growers had faced loss as the sales had plummeted. This year they hope to recoup the loss.