Late delicious delight in store for mango lovers

Aurangabad, Apr 14 (UNI) Its mango season, but mango lovers especially ''Kesar'' lovers will have to be patient as there is a delay in the arrival of mangoes.

''Kesar mangoes will be arriving late this season as the flowering was delayed due to extension of monsoon and heavy rainfall and change in climatic conditions,'' said Trimbak Pathrikar the Secretary of Mango growers association, Aurangabad.

He further added that the ''Kesar'' mango production has gone down by 40 per cent as compared to the previous year.

Aurangabad and Jalna produce approximately 5000 tonnes of ''Kesar'' mangoes out of which 500 tonnes are exported to other countries in the far east, including Japan.

Scenario seems bleak as ''Kesar'' mangoes are expected to ripen not earlier than May 30 as against the usual time of ripening by the first week of May, and prices may rise following the delay. Prices of ''Kesar'' this year, are likely to be higher by Rs 5-10 per kg that is around Rs 40-50 per kg, as compared to Rs 30-35 per kg last year, said Mr Pathrikar.

''Kesar'' mango is now emerging as the major crop of Marathwada region and thus the cultivators expect the Government to provide them with the same package as mango cultivators in the Konkan belt, he added.

So far, the ''Kesar'' mangoes of Aurangabad have been sold in international markets like London and Hong Kong. Samples of the ''Kesar'' have also been approved by Japan last year. There are at least eleven mango growers who have obtained Euro-Gaap certification and are eligible to export their crop to the international market, through various agencies, informed Mr Pathrikar.

UNI