May 11: The season of mango has begun. The fruit which is considered to be the king of fruits is showing its king-like characteristics as its price skyrocketed as soon as it hit the market. Compared to the same period last year, the price of mango is up by 68 percent. Nepali mango has not arrived in the market yet and traders say that the market price went up as they have to pay high price for mango imported from India.

According to the daily price list of Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Development Board, the wholesale price of Calcutta mango was Rs 125 per kg last year, which is Rs 210 per kg as per the price list of May 9 this year. This is 68 percent more than the previous year.

In the retail market, the price of this mango varies from Rs 250 to Rs 300 per kg.

The price of Dasheri mango is up by 62 percent as compared to last year. The price of mango that was Rs 145 per kg last year reached to Rs 235 per kg this time. In the retail market, its price reaches up to Rs 350 per kg. The price of Malda mango as well is up by 33 percent. Its wholesale price went up from Rs 75 per kg to Rs 100 per kg this year. In the retail market, consumers have to pay up to Rs 150 per kg.

Mangoes produced in Nepal are not yet ready to hit the market. This is the reason why the market is full of Indian mangoes. Gita Prasad Acharya, chairperson of the board, says that the prices of Indian mangoes have gone up this year in India itself, which has affected the Nepali market. According to him, Nepali mangoes will be available in the market from the third week of May and then the price may come down.

Traders say that both the demand and import of mangoes have declined due to the high prices. According to Amar Bania, chairman of Kuleshwor Fruit Market, 10 to 12 vehicles full of mangoes were imported from India every day at this time last year. This year, only 6/7 vehicles filled with mangoes are imported daily. Traders say that when they import mangoes from India, it costs them between Rs 100 to Rs 150 per kg.

Production of Nepali mangoes is estimated to increase this year. Generally, mango production decreases one year and increases the next. This year, the production is expected to increase. Therefore, mango production in the Terai district is expected to double this year as compared to last year as per the employees of Siraha and Saptari mango zones.