Sour taste, high prices mark mango arrival in Vizag

Visakhapatnam: Two to three mango varieties, the king of fruits, reached Vizag city and nearby districts, but buyers complained about sour taste and steep prices of the summer fruit.Banginapalli mangoes cost ₹300–₹400 per kg in retail markets, while Panukulu sells at ₹120–₹130 per kg, yet most consumers said the fruit was not as sweet as expected.Raw mangoes are adding tangy flavour to summer cuisines in the region, priced between ₹100 and ₹120 per kg depending on variety, consumers noted.This year's mango arrivals were delayed compared to last season. Stronger inflows from state and other regions are expected only in early May as yield was poor and late, said K. Naidu, a Vizag trader."I bought Banginapalli mangoes at ₹350 per kg but found the taste a little sour," said D. Sudhakar of MVP Colony. "Though the king of fruits looked attractive, they were harvested before full maturity," he added.So far, Banginapalli and Panukulu are available, while Cheruku Rasalu, Chinna Rasalu, Suvarnarekha and other varieties are yet to arrive. Recent thunderstorms and gusty winds damaged crops in Vizianagaram and Srikakulam, lowering yield and raising prices compared to last season, traders said.Vizianagaram, one of Andhra Pradesh's leading mango districts, has 30,000 hectares under cultivation with average yield of 6–8 tonnes per hectare. The district is famed for Suvarnarekha mangoes, golden-skinned with reddish blush, juicy fibreless pulp, and sweet-tangy flavour.This year, pests and erratic weather hit production again. Farmers expect only 2–3 tonnes per hectare, a sharp fall from normal yield. Demand for Suvarnarekha remains strong, but supply will be limited, pushing prices higher, farmers added.