Goa's mango production reduces this year
PTI, PANAJI | 26 April 2012 18:38 IST
Mango production in Goa is expected to decline by up to 65 per cent this year
A rough estimate worked out by the department indicates that the production in 2012 would be 3,500-4,000 tonnes as compared to 9,000 tonnes in 2011.
Director of Agriculture Satish Tendulkar said last year's prolonged monsoons have resulted in the crop decline.
"The monsoons were extended up to October-November last year due to which there was no stress on the trees," Tendulkar said, adding that 'stress' for the mango tree is crucial for enhanced production.
This means, Goa will have to depend on mangoes imported from other states to meet its domestic demand.
Goa has indigenous varieties of mankurad, musrad (monserratte), fernandina, hilario and others which are usually grown between coconut plantations.
"Except for 25-30 farms, there is no continuous plantation of mangoes in the state," he said.
The department also expects that the mangoes will start arriving in the markets by mid-May as against its traditional appearance in April, annually.
Tendulkar said the change in environment cycle has now also forced their production to be delayed.
Mangoes have been in great demand in the hospitality sector of the state besides the local consumption.
The exports from neighbouring Konkan belt helps the state to tide over the demand and control the escalating prices of the fruit.
