Maldaha mango price doubles as farmers say they do not get fair price

DHANUSHA: Market price for Maldaha variety of mangoes has doubled after production fell across Madhesh Province.

Traders have pushed up retail prices as supplies in farmers’ orchards diminish, yet growers say they are not receiving a fair price for their harvest. Two weeks ago, consumers could buy 2.5 kilogram (kg) of mangoes for Rs 100; the price has now risen to Rs 100 per kilo.

Growers are calling for cold storage facilities, processing centres and better market management to prevent further losses for producers. Umesh Yadav, a farmer from Kshireshwornath Municipality–1 in Dhanusha ditrict, said the rising market prices have not benefited producers and emphasised that effective market monitoring and price management are essential, as traders are buying mangoes cheaply from farmers and selling them at steep retail prices.

Dhanik Lal Mahato, a farmer from Mithila Municipality, said the ongoing paddy-transplanting season forces farmers to sell their mangoes quickly, and traders are capitalising on that urgency by purchasing the fruit at reduced rates. “Farmers are not getting a fair price for their produce due to the lack of cold storage, processing centres and organised markets,” Mahato added, urging the government to ensure a guaranteed price for their harvest.

According to local traders, the Bombay variety is now largely absent from the market, and Maldaha mangoes will remain available for approximately 10 more days. After that period the Kalkatta and Amrapali varieties are expected to arrive.

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