Archive · 21 May 2025
Pest Infestation and Price Drop Hit Karnataka Mango Farmers
Imagine mango farmers' snacks are being attacked by tiny bugs!
These bugs, called hoppers and thrips, are making the mangoes not so yummy and causing them to be black.
Because of this, farmers in certain areas are selling their mangoes for very cheap.
This means the farmers don't make much money.
Even though the mangoes cost more in the city, the farmers aren't seeing much profit.
The government is looking into the problem to see if they can help the farmers.
Mango farmers in Karnataka are facing significantly reduced prices due to pest infestations.
Hoppers and thrips are the primary pests damaging mango crops.
Farmers are selling mangoes for as low as ₹7-₹8 per kg in local mandis.
Retail prices in Bengaluru remain higher, ranging from ₹35 to ₹125 per kg.
The Horticulture Department has initiated an inspection and is assessing the situation.
- Who
- Mango farmers, Horticulture Department officials, wholesale and retail sellers, and consumers.
- What
- Significant decrease in mango quality and prices due to pest infestation and unfavorable weather conditions.
- When
- Current mango season, with impacts noted in May 2025.
- Where
- Mango-producing regions of Kolar and Ramanagara districts, Karnataka, with market analysis in Bengaluru.
- Why
- Pest infestations (hoppers and thrips) and unfavorable weather conditions resulted in quality decline and price drops.
Karnataka Mango Farmers
Bengaluru Retailers
Price and Quality of Mangoes
Karnataka Mango Farmers
Dramatically reduced prices at the farm gate in Kolar and Ramanagara districts due to pest damage and reduced quality.
Bengaluru Retailers
Higher retail prices in Bengaluru due to grading and perishable nature of fruits.
- Affected Regions
- Kolar and Ramanagara districts, Karnataka
- Primary Pests
- Hoppers (jigi) and thrips
- Affected Mango Varieties
- Badami (Alphonso), Sendhoora, and Totapuri
- Wholesale Price Drop
- ₹7-₹10 per kg for some varieties
- Retail Price in Bengaluru
- ₹35-₹125 per kg depending on variety
- Farmers' Response
- Seeking crop inspection and insurance claims
- Government Response
- Horticulture Department sent a team for inspection