Inactivity in Karnataka’s mangomarket sends ripples in Chittoor

A significant fruit processing hub in Karnataka, thought of the most important of its sort in Asia, has fallen silent this yr because of the COVID-19 lockdown. Mango growers in Chittoor district are actually fearful that they may incur steep losses.

The Srinivaspur mango market, thought of the mango capital of Karnataka, handles shut to 2 lakh tonnes of produce each season. Over 60 sorts of the fruit are additionally distributed from right here to a number of components of the nation. Mango growers from Punganur, Ramasamudram, Piler, Somala, and Chowdepalle mandals ship their produce yearly to this market as there are not any fruit pulp/juice processing models in north-western Chittoor district.

However, the lockdown imposed in the neighbouring State to curb COVID-19 has had a drastic affect on the sector, with items carriers staying off the roads. Many farmers additionally determined in opposition to harvesting the ripe fruit in view of the low costs.

The value of Totapuri mangoes in mandis is ₹7 a kg, however when delivered to factories, farmers get ₹9 a kg. In truth, that is ₹1 lower than the value prevailing two weeks in the past.

“Compared to the mandis, the factories are offering a much better price for the load delivered at our gate,” mentioned P. Somasekhar, Senior Officer (Purchases) at Galla Foods, having a base in Puthalapattu mandal. With Collector M. Hari Narayanan already advising farmers to undertake a wait-and-watch coverage and never resort to panic promoting, the farmers have been conserving their fingers crossed for the newest Unlock tips coming into drive from Monday.

There is palpable desperation amongst orchard homeowners because the ripe fruits are beginning to wither.

The solely silver lining is the projection of trade specialists, who anticipate the scenario to enhance in 4 to 5 days with the resumption of inter-State transportation, which can ship the value of mangoes northward.