Mango lovers in Gujarat may have to brace for disappointment this season, as farmers fear a significant drop in yield due to erratic weather and pest infestations. Despite their efforts, including extensive pesticide use, growers of the famed Valsadi Hafoos and other mango varieties are struggling to protect their crops.
Farmers had initially hoped for a good harvest, but unseasonal rains, extreme heat, and prolonged cloudy weather have led to premature shedding of mango blossoms. In Valsad&rsquo;s Ambawadi region, widespread disease outbreaks have further worsened the situation. The persistent weather fluctuations have also weakened the effectiveness of pesticides, making pest control increasingly difficult.
A mango farmer from Palan, Valsad, expressed his concerns: &ldquo;This year, we saw four rounds of flowering, but due to bad weather and the failure of pesticides to take effect, pest attacks remain uncontrollable. If the weather does not stabilize soon, mango production will take a severe hit, leading to possible shortages.&rdquo;
This crisis is not new. For the past four to five years, mango growers have faced losses due to climate-related challenges. Cyclone Tauktae in 2021 devastated South Gujarat and Saurashtra&rsquo;s mango orchards, causing severe losses, particularly for the Kesar variety. In Amreli district alone, nearly 40% of Kesar mango trees were uprooted&mdash;a major setback, given that these trees take nearly 15 years to mature.
Gujarat&rsquo;s mango production and export trends also shed light on the situation. In the 2023-24 season, the state produced approximately 1.089 million tonnes of mangoes, with the vast majority consumed locally. Export volumes have remained relatively small, averaging just over 2,500 metric tonnes in the last five years.
The looming supply shortage is likely to push mango prices higher in the coming months. While last year&rsquo;s market saw fluctuations, the trend in key wholesale markets indicated steady demand: In May 2024,&nbsp;Hapus (Alphonso) mangoes in Pardi Market ranged between ₹1,200 and ₹1,500 per quintal. Data from July 2024 shows that Kesar mangoes in Wadhwan Market were priced between ₹9,500 and ₹10,000 per quintal.
Now, however, with another difficult season ahead, both farmers and consumers will have to wait and see how the market reacts. If adverse conditions persist, mango lovers may have to pay a premium for their favourite summer fruit.

Growers of the famed Valsadi Haphus are struggling to protect their crops

With farmers fearing crop loss due to weather and pests, Gujarat’s summer staple could turn into a luxury

Bad News for Mango Lovers This Summer

With farmers fearing crop loss due to weather and pests, Gujarat’s summer staple could turn into a luxury

March 15, 2025 | 12:19 IST