Mango season in Tamil Nadu has arrived, and for farmers across the state, it is a time of both joy and anxiety. From the challenges of unseasonal rains to the discovery of resilient native varieties, this season tells a story of survival against the odds.
Farmers in major mango-growing districts such as Dindigul, Theni, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Vellore, and Thiruvallur are reporting a difficult year. K Baskar, who manages an organic farm abutting the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, says he is seeing only 30% of his usual yield. He lost over 500 kilograms of mangoes a few days ago to unexpected heavy winds.
How climate change is affecting the harvest
For the third consecutive year, the mango season across Tamil Nadu has been severely affected by unseasonal rains due to climate change. Farmers report that unexpected rainfall during the flowering season is the primary culprit, with major mango-producing regions like Salem, Dharmapuri, and Krishnagiri being the worst hit.
PB Murali, co-founder of Organic Shandy, says the mango season has been quite the disaster so far, with farmers managing only about 20% of the expected yield. However, heritage varieties appear to be more resilient.
The resilience of native varieties
As farmers discover, native varieties are weathering the climate challenges better. At Organic Farmers Market in Adyar, they have stocked a variety called Karunkurangu, which has a dark green and very thick skin, sourced from Dindigul.
Murali of Organic Shandy notes that a farmer has harvested a local variety called Yaanathalai, which translates to “elephant head” and is a huge fruit weighing over a kilogram.
Varieties to look out for this season
Banganapalli: According to Gopi Devarajan of Safe Foods, the Banganapalli from Kadapa is particularly sweet this year.
Imam Pasand and Alphonso: Baskar grows Alphonso, Imam Pasand, Neelam, and Malgova on his 800 mango trees in Tiruppur district. Rajapalayam is known for its Sappattai variety.
Kalapadi and Nadusalai: Gopi is looking forward to the arrival of native varieties such as Kalapadi, Nadusalai, and Sakkarakatti in a few weeks.
Where to buy organic varieties in Chennai
- Organic Shandy, Mylapore: Stocks Banganapalli, Imam Pasand, Malgova, Alphonso, Mallika, Pathiri, and Panchavarnam, the native variety from Rajapalayam.
- Organic Farmers Market, Adyar: Stocks Imam Pasand, Banganapali, Malgoa, Alphonso, Senthuram, and small quantities of Kalapadi.
- Cholayil Farm to Table, Anna Nagar: Will stock varieties such as Kalapadi, Swarnarekha, Neelam, Malgoa, Pathiri, and Rasalu.
- Safe Foods, Thiruvanmiyur: Current stock includes Banganapalli, Imam Pasand, Senthuram, Malgoa, Alphonso, Javari, and Mallika.
- reStore Organic Store, Kottivakkam: Wide range including Malgoa, Mallika, Kesar, Rasalu, Senthuram, Dasheri, Imam Pasand, Alphonso, Javari, and Banganapalli.
