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In Australia’s Riverland West region, mango producers began harvesting Kensington Pride mangoes unusually early in Feb-25 due to prolonged heat disrupting the typical harvest timeline, which usually starts in March after flowering in September or October. This accelerated schedule resulted in higher yields than the previous year but led to a drop in market prices, as the harvest coincided with peak supply from northern states like Queensland and the Northern Territory. Despite the price pressure, fruit quality remained high, with Riverland-grown Kensington Prides praised for their superior taste, lower stringiness, and smaller seeds, reaffirming their reputation despite shifting market dynamics.
Mango cultivation is thriving in Bangladesh’s key producing regions of Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon, also known as the country’s “Mango Capital”, with approximately 3.5 million trees spread across 23 thousand hectares (ha). This year is expected to be an ‘on year’ for production as favorable weather has supported robust flowering and fruit development. However, growers remain concerned about premature fruit and flower drop, driven by sudden climate fluctuations, inadequate soil moisture, fungal diseases, and pest infestations. In response, experts and agricultural officials are advocating for sustainable orchard management, balanced fertilization, timely pest control, and efficient irrigation. Farmers are increasingly adopting modern practices and collaborating with agricultural officers to enhance yields of high-performing and hybrid varieties like Amrapali. This integrated approach boosts optimism for a bumper harvest and promising economic gains for rural communities.
Mango growers in Koraput, eastern India, face significant challenges due to insufficient rainfall during the critical flowering period between February and March, , leading to poor flowering and reduced fruit set. Around 5 thousand acres across areas like Kundra, Borigumma, and Jeypore were converted to mango orchards through government-supported schemes, with harvests expected from May to July. However, in hilly and upland regions, where manual irrigation is unfeasible, the lack of timely rain has damaged about 80% of mango flowers. The situation has been further heightened by sudden heatwaves, which have caused premature flower drop, resulting in a significant reduction in yield and income for farmers this season.
Mango prices in India have declined following Gudi Padwa, the traditional Hindu New Year in Maharashtra, driven by shifting market dynamics and reduced consumer demand. However, retail prices have not fallen as sharply. Climatic factors, including delayed rains and heat waves, have disrupted mango flowering and harvest schedules, particularly in Karnataka and the Konkan region, leading to a nearly 40% decline in mango picking. Despite the lower wholesale prices, demand remains subdued as consumers await further price drops.
In Mexico, mango producers in the eastern Isthmus of Tehuantepec are facing a significant drop in production due to unusual rainfall, frost, and strong winds linked to climate change. These adverse weather conditions disrupted the flowering cycle across approximately 30 thousand ha in six municipalities. To mitigate the impact, farmers increased the use of fertilizers and plant vitamins, which led to higher production costs. Despite these measures, the harvest, typically expected between February and March, has been delayed until late March and April. This delay puts local producers at a disadvantage as competitors from Guerrero and Michoacán have already begun exporting. The delay is anticipated to result in lower market prices, threatening the financial stability of mango growers and reducing the region's foreign currency inflow.
In Mexico, mangoes from Jalisco continue to see strong demand domestically and internationally, particularly in the United States (US). In 2023, Jalisco cultivated 8.6 thousand ha of mangoes, yielding nearly 130 thousand tons, with major production areas including Tomatlán, Cihuatlán, and La Huerta. Jalisco is home to ten exporting companies, eight of which are certified with the necessary standards for international exports, as well as three packing houses equipped with irradiation treatment for US exports. Despite this success, the region’s mango industry faces challenges related to crop management, pest control, and food safety. Authorities stress the importance of adopting new technologies, reducing dependence on agrochemicals, and promoting more sustainable practices. Additionally, there is a focus on better integrating existing research into practical use to improve production efficiency and fruit quality.
Peru's mango industry is wrapping up a difficult 2023/24 campaign, with total production reaching 600 thousand tons, of which 280 thousand tons were exported as fresh mangoes. Key export destinations included Europe at 60%, the US at 40%. Peruvian mangoes also reach Asia, specifically South Korea, Japan, and China. The season faced multiple challenges, including limited access to essential inputs like cardboard boxes and reefers. These issues were further worsened by overlapping harvests of other fruits and water scarcity, which negatively impacted fruit size and ripening. Consequently, producer prices plummeted to USD 0.10 to USD 0.30 per kilogram (kg), well below the production costs of USD 0.30 to USD 0.35/kg, leading to significant financial losses. This marked a sharp contrast to the previous season, which saw high prices due to a weather-induced mango shortage. Looking ahead, the industry is focused on improving quality, managing pests like fruit flies, and refining agricultural practices to prepare for a potentially smaller yet better-managed upcoming season.
In W14, Peru's mango prices increased by 9.80% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 0.56/kg, representing a 33.33% month-on-month (MoM) rise. This price increase is due to a reduction in production volume, with 2024/25 production reaching only 600 thousand tons, a significant decrease from previous years. Additionally, challenges such as limited access to essential inputs and water scarcity have constrained supply, contributing to the price rise. However, there was a year-on-year (YoY) drop of 51.72%. The YoY price drop is due to the previous season's high prices resulting from a weather-induced mango shortage, caused by adverse weather conditions like drought or storms that severely affected production, highlighting the contrasting market conditions between the two periods.
In W14, mango prices in India increased by 4.76% WoW to USD 0.44/kg, with no MoM change and a 46.67% YoY rise. The YoY price surge is due to climatic challenges affecting mango production. Insufficient rainfall during the critical flowering period between February and March in regions like Karnataka and the Konkan led to a nearly 40% decline in mango picking. Additionally, unseasonal rains and hailstorms in Vidarbha caused significant crop damage, further constraining supply. Consequently, despite reduced yields, prices have remained elevated compared to the previous year.
Mango producers in Riverland West should optimize their harvest timing to better align with market conditions and minimize overlap with peak supply from northern regions. By fine-tuning harvest schedules within the natural growing cycle, producers can reduce price pressure and improve market positioning. Additionally, producers should focus on branding and promoting the high quality of Riverland-grown Kensington Prides, emphasizing their superior taste and smaller seeds in marketing efforts. This targeted approach will help differentiate the product in the competitive market and sustain demand despite fluctuating supply.
Mango producers in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec should invest in climate-resilient farming practices, such as improved irrigation systems, weather forecasting tools, and the use of drought-resistant mango varieties. This will help mitigate the impact of unusual weather patterns and stabilize production. Additionally, producers should explore partnerships with logistics companies to expedite the harvest and improve timing, reducing the risk of price drops. Expanding market channels by emphasizing the unique qualities of the region’s mangoes and targeting niche markets can also help offset potential financial losses.
Sources: Tridge, Agraria, ARRN, Bssnews, Fruit Portal, Krishak Jagat, New Indian Express, Oaxaca, Redagricola, The Indian Express
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