A sharp decline in demand from overseas markets has led canning industries to drastically reduce procurement of mangoes this season, causing prices to fall steeply from INR 62 per kg to as low as INR 17 per kg.

According to market sources, the reduced buying by canning companies has severely impacted mango growers and orchard owners, who are already facing losses due to erratic weather conditions and unseasonal rainfall. Only about 10 to 15 percent of the expected mango yield has reportedly been produced this year due to adverse climatic conditions.

Initially, mangoes used for canning were being procured at around INR 62 per kg. However, prices have been steadily declining and have now dropped to approximately INR 17 per kg, leaving farmers under significant financial stress.

Mangoes are widely used in processing industries for products such as pulp, jams, mango bars, beverages, pickles, chocolates, and are also heavily consumed by the ice cream industry. Large-scale ice cream manufacturers are among the key buyers of such mango varieties. However, growers allege that they are not receiving fair prices despite the industrial demand.

Export demand for mango pulp has also been affected, with concerns that geopolitical tensions, including ongoing conflicts in Gulf regions, could further disrupt overseas shipments. This uncertainty has added to the distress among farmers and horticulturists.

The state government has announced compensation for affected farmers, but growers and agricultural groups have described the relief as inadequate, intensifying protests over the issue.

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