Mango season kicks off in Koyambedu market; Alphonso and Banganapalli priced up to Rs 150/kg

CHENNAI: With the mango season witnessing a boom, the Koyambedu wholesale market in Chennai is bustling with consumers and traders, as the former are flocking to the market to buy the king of fruits by the kilo, according to a Daily Thanthi report.

While summer brings mangoes by the tonnes to the city market, varieties like Malgova, Alphonso and Imampasandh began arriving from Salem from January itself, followed by Banganapalli and Senthuram from Kerala in February and March.

In April, local produce from Tiruvallur, Krishnagiri, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, and Theni districts, and also from the East Coast Road regions, made their entrance, marking the official start of the season. By May, Mallika, Rumani, and Javari varieties from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will hit the shelves, hastening demand and thereby impacting prices. The fruits would become more affordable until the season ends in June or July.

Salem has seen a 10% increase in mango yield this year compared to previous years, leading to a significant increase in supply. Around 150 tonnes of mangoes arrive on a daily basis at the Koyambedu market and these numbers are expected to go up by 250-350 tonnes/day in May and June.

Farmers at the market noted that the prices of first-grade mangoes were higher than the ones in lower-grade varieties, which would sell for Rs 20-30 less per kilogram.

The current price of various varieties of mangoes at the market are:

Alphonso: Wholesale at Rs 120/kg, retail at Rs 150/kg

Banganapalli: Wholesale at Rs 90/kg, retail at Rs 150/kg

Senthuram: Wholesale at Rs 60/kg, retail at Rs 80/kg

Imam Pasand: Wholesale at Rs 150/kg, retail at Rs 180/kg

Farmers at the market noted that the prices were of first-grade mangoes, while lower-grade varieties sell for Rs 20 to 30 less per kilo.