Maharashtra’s Raigad district, renowned for its mango bounty, is reeling from unprecedented agricultural distress. Sudden hailstorms and off-season showers have inflicted severe damage on mango plantations, threatening the livelihoods of countless farmers.
The Konkan belt’s southern parts, particularly Raigad, host dense clusters of mango farms. Growers had nurtured their crops meticulously through the season, only to see hail pummel the fruits and rains wash away ripening ones. Production this year plummets to a mere 20-25%, a fraction of typical yields.
Market slumps add insult to injury. Intermediaries and exporters have stopped buying, citing oversupply fears and disrupted international trade. Geopolitical tensions have stalled shipments to key markets in West Asia, leaving warehouses full and local prices crashing. Vashi APMC traders, once eager purchasers, now shun the produce.
‘Our trees are bare, and what’s left won’t sell,’ lamented a local farmer. Even harvested mangoes lie abandoned in orchards, unable to cover basic costs. This double whammy of nature and markets has deepened economic hardship.
In response, the farming community has rallied for state aid. Appeals pour in for crop insurance payouts, subsidies, and procurement guarantees. Experts warn that prolonged rains could wipe out remnants, underscoring the need for immediate policy interventions. The mango sector, a cornerstone of Raigad’s economy, hangs in the balance.
