Mango Mela cancelled in Dharwad as poor yield hits growers, buyers

Dharwad: The annual Mango Mela in Dharwad—an important platform that connects growers directly with consumers and boosts farmers' incomes—will not be held this year due to a sharp decline in the mango yield this year. The much-anticipated event, which played a key role in promoting the region's premium Alphonso mangoes, has been cancelled after erratic weather conditions slashed yields to nearly 30% of normal levels.Over the years, the mela has grown beyond a simple marketplace, emerging as a crucial bridge between farmers and buyers. It has enabled growers to bypass middlemen, secure better prices, and strengthen Dharwad's reputation in domestic and international markets. However, this season's severe crop loss—triggered by untimely rains, strong winds, mist, and extreme heat—has made it unviable to organise the event, dealing a blow to both producers and mango enthusiasts.Known for its high-quality Alphonso mangoes, Dharwad exports to markets in the Middle East, Europe, Australia, Singapore, and the United States. Launched in 2015, the Mango Mela has significantly contributed to this global recognition while also serving as a promotional platform under the Centre's ‘One District, One Product' scheme.Officials said that while preparations for the mela had initially begun, the steep fall in production and reduced farmer participation forced authorities to call it off. Last year, the five-day event recorded sales of over 90 metric tonnes, generating close to Rs 90 lakh, underlining its economic importance.Farmers say the situation this year is particularly grim. "The Mango Mela is something we eagerly wait for. It helps us earn better and connect with buyers directly. But this time, there is hardly any yield," said Dr Anand Patil, an Alphonso grower from Dharwad taluk.According to the joint director of horticulture department KC Bhadrannavar, adverse weather conditions damaged the crop despite good flowering during Nov and Dec. "In a normal year, an acre yields about three quintals. This season, it has dropped to less than one quintal, and fruit size has also been affected," he said.With limited produce available, much of the stock has been diverted to metro markets and juice-processing units, resulting in a local shortage. A drop in farmer registrations also contributed to the cancellation. In an effort to sustain direct marketing, a group of growers under Mavu Belegarara Balaga has organised a smaller mango festival at the Gandhi Peace Foundation near Court Circle. Though modest, it continues to offer farmers a platform to sell directly, keeping alive the spirit of the larger mela.