The shadow of conflict in West Asia looms large over Coimbatore, where mango exporters face unprecedented setbacks during the heart of the season. Ukkadam market, the epicenter of the trade, reports a 90% drop in shipments as cargo flights to key Gulf destinations grind to a halt.
Exporters who once loaded 60+ tons daily onto planes bound for Dubai and beyond now struggle with barely 5 tons. The ripple effect? A supply glut in local markets driving prices into freefall across all varieties.
Take Alphonso, the king of mangoes: from 300 rupees/kg to 150. Banganapalli crashed from 120-150 to 50-70 rupees. Sindhura varieties tumbled 150-170 to 60-80, Imam Pasand from 200-240 to 100-130, and processing-grade Totapuri sank to 15-25 rupees/kg.
Perishability exacerbates the crisis—delayed transports mean spoilage, amplifying losses. A late-starting season this year shortened the prime export window, typically fueled by pre-Ramadan Gulf frenzy.
Glimmers of hope emerge from local festivities, absorbing 150 tons lately. But traders say it’s a drop in the bucket compared to lost international deals. As stocks pile up, calls grow for alternative air routes or diplomatic pushes to restore vital links, preserving jobs and livelihoods in Tamil Nadu’s mango belt.
