Surge in Alphonso Mango Supply Brings Cheaper Prices to Pune, But Leaves Konkan Farmers Struggling
Surge in Alphonso Mango Supply Brings Cheaper Prices to Pune, But Leaves Konkan Farmers Struggling
Massive Alphonso mango arrivals in Pune’s Market Yard drive prices down by 30%, benefiting consumers but pushing Konkan farmers into financial distress due to low returns and poor crop conditions.
PUNE — The much-awaited Alphonso mango season has arrived in full swing, flooding Pune’s Market Yard with thousands of boxes of the prized Hapus variety. While this has created a buying frenzy among mango lovers across the city, the surge in supply has driven prices down by nearly 30%, putting farmers from the Konkan region under severe financial strain.
According to the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), Pune received around 6,000 to 6,500 boxes of Alphonso mangoes on April 14—almost double compared to the previous week. These mangoes are arriving from key growing regions including Devgad, Ratnagiri, Malvan, Kankavli, Vengurla, Sawantwadi, and Kajirgaon.
Currently, a box of 4 to 8 dozen mangoes is being sold wholesale at rates ranging from ₹1,800 to ₹4,800, depending on size and quality. Retail prices have dropped significantly, with some vendors offering a dozen Alphonso mangoes for as low as ₹300 to ₹500—well below last year’s prices.
Markets across Pune—including Shivajinagar, Deccan, Nal Stop, Baner, and Market Yard—are witnessing a surge in footfall as consumers rush to take advantage of the discounted rates. Boxes containing two dozen mangoes are retailing at ₹800 to ₹950 in some locations.
However, the bumper supply has not translated into profits for farmers. Weather-related disruptions earlier this year—such as the absence of a proper winter, followed by heavy winds and unseasonal rains—have affected the fruit’s quality, reducing its sweetness and aroma. Farmers say that the per-box price of ₹1,800 is far below their production costs, leaving them unable to break even.
Adding to the concerns, there have been reports of some traders using artificial ripening agents like calcium carbide and ethephon, which compromise the fruit’s natural taste, texture, and aroma. Experts advise consumers to look for naturally ripened mangoes, identifiable by their fragrance, slight softness, and yellowish tinge around the edges.
Despite the crisis, there is a glimmer of hope. Select wholesalers in Pune have started receiving export orders from countries such as Bangladesh, Malaysia, and the UAE. This demand could provide some price support for premium-grade Alphonso mangoes in the coming weeks.
With Hapus supplies expected to remain high until May 20, market analysts say that while consumers can continue to enjoy affordable prices, the plight of farmers needs urgent attention through government intervention or cooperative support to stabilise the market.
