Mango Mania

One of the practical problems of comparing mango prices is their wide regional variation

Last Updated: Jun 24, 2011, 06:51 IST1 min

Mangoes are perhaps the reason many of us put up with summer, going by the deluge of posts dedicated to the fleshy fruit on social networking sites at the beginning of mango season every year.

And this year has been no different.

Local markets are lined with street vendors with basketfuls of the fruit, while department stores have added mangoes to their fruit section.

One of the practical problems of comparing mango prices is their wide regional variation. So, while Langda and Himshagor rule in Kolkata, Alphonsos are the forever-favourites in Mumbai. In Bangalore, people wait for Alphonsos and Mallikas, while in Delhi, Safedas have a high demand.

This year, in Mumbai, prices seem to be more or less what they were last year, with Alphonsos selling for about Rs. 70 to Rs. 100 a kg. The peculiarity being that this is the only variety that is sold by the dozen (works out to between Rs. 200 and Rs. 300 a dozen). Kesar is selling for about Rs. 60 a kg, while you can get Badami for about Rs. 50 a kg.

The price of Alphonsos in Bangalore has gone down, compared to last year: They are selling for Rs. 60 to Rs. 70 a kg, compared to Rs. 90 last year. Raspuris are selling for Rs. 26 to Rs. 30 a kg. In Delhi, prices are up by 10 to 15 percent, with Alphonsos costing Rs. 150 to Rs. 200 a kg, Dussehri at Rs. 100 to Rs. 110 and Safeda (the most affordable) at Rs. 40 to Rs. 50 a kg.

(Research: Nilofer D’Souza, Prince Mathews Thomas and Jasodhara Banerjee)

First Published: Jun 24, 2011, 06:51

Kolkata Mumbai

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