Unseasonal rains reduced yield of mangoes: HOPCOMS

Bangalore, Jun 11 (UNI) The unseasonal rains, that lashed Karnataka in April brought down the yield of mangoes considerably, Horticultural Producer's Cooperative Marketing and Processing Society Ltd (HOPCOMS) Manager (Procurement and Marketing) D M Subbanna said today.

Talking to newspersons here, he said as against the 750 tonnes of mangoes collected at HOPCOMS last year, only about 500 tonnes were expected this year. The prices had increased from 30 per cent to 35 per cent due to shortage of mangoes and increase in its demand.

HOPCOMS Chairman B Munegowda, announcing the beginning of 'Mango Mela' from tomorrow, said the primary aim of the 'Mela' was to encourage mango growers by giving good marketing facilities to them and provide the customers with good quality of mangoes at discount prices.

He said in the state, mangoes were cultivated in 1,16,261 hectares and the annual production was 11,11,206 tonnes. But this year, the production may be less due to unseasonal rains, accompanied by wind and hail.

Mr Munegowda said it was proposed to open 100 more HOPCOMS stalls in the state in a phased manner. Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) had already allotted space for 20 stalls. It was also proposed to open a super market and mobile market. The State Government had been requested to sanction Rs five crore as grant under the National Horticulture Mission.

''At present we have to contribute 75 per cent of the amount sanctioned to avail the 25 per cent subsidy,'' he added.

He said HOPCOMS, which sells vegitables and fruits, earned about Rs 15 lakh per day, had secured a profit of about 100 lakh in 2007-08 (unaudited). It had targeted a profit of Rs 110 lakh in 2008-09.

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