Mango growers are ecstatic that this time, unlike previous year, mango production is expected to double or more. Even they were surprised due to the flowering in mango orchards thrice this season.
"On one side we are about to harvest mango and on the other side mango trees are flowering. We are going to harvest double production this year as compared to last year,'' said a mango grower of Ghushiya, Gir, in Talala taluka of Junagadh District, Mensi Sariya.
While it's expected that prices will come down, some like secretary, Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), Talala, Harshukh Jarsaniya feel that the real picture will be clear only after the crop starts reaching the market. But many feel otherwise. "We had just 10 per cent crop last year, where as this year it will be 80 to 90 per cent. So prices will come down," said chairman, APMC, Surat, Raman Jani.
Chairman Valsad, APMC, Arvind Patel said, "Last year crops had failed everywhere and only Valsad had some crop so prices were abnormally high. This year it will be below normal." Meanwhile, some of the traders in Valsad mango market are going to start sending mangoes for canning and exports by March 24.
"It's an auspicious day of Ramnavmi and we will start our business from that day. For mango lovers, the sweet treat should be available at an affordable price," said one of the biggest wholesellers of Valsad mango market RR Mishra.
"There has been some damage due to unseasonal rains and some pests, but still yields are very high so we have nothing to worry and some local types are likely to sell at throwaway prices in the mid season," Mishra added.
