Rising temperatures and multiple heat waves have severely impacted Alphonso mango production in Maharashtra’s Konkan region, leaving farmers anxious.

Mandar Khedkar, a farmer from Ratnagiri, reports a 75% drop in yield, with trees failing to flower since December. Despite mango prices doubling, losses loom as production costs remain high. The steep transport costs make it unviable to sell in Pune’s markets.

Vivek Bhide, chairman of the Konkan Hapus Amba Utpadak Vikreta Sahakari Sanstha, warns that only 30% of the usual crop may reach consumers due to the lack of winter, crucial for flowering. Heat waves have triggered excessive fruit shedding, further reducing supply.

Market traders anticipate a delayed and short-lived season, with arrivals beginning in April and ending by mid-May, a stark contrast to the usual mango glut in May.