Indian storms damage banana, mango crops as production drops by 50%, prices surge
Indian crop losses may tighten global mango supply, pushing prices higher.
INDIA – Mango production in north coastal Andhra Pradesh has already dropped by 50% this season, with the recent storms having damaged between 324 and 405 hectares of banana, mango, and cashew crops across five districts, triggering a surge in market prices.
Mango growers are concerned that additional thunderstorms could reduce yields and quality during harvest.
Farmers report that erratic weather and pest pressure have already reduced mango production by about 50% this season. “Mango and cashew farmers were further distressed as recent rains washed away the remaining hopes, with standing crops damaged,” said V Naidu, a mango grower in Manyam district.
For global mango supply chains, Andhra Pradesh is a critical production hub. The north Andhra region is particularly known for the Suvarnarekha variety, which is prized for its sweet taste and fibreless texture.
On the other hand, around 202 hectares of banana crops were also damaged in parts of the Manyam and Alluri Sitharama Raju districts by gusty winds. Banana is a major crop in the region, and the damage adds to supply pressures in southern India.
The India Meteorological Department forecasts further thunderstorms with lightning in coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema, with wind speeds of 40-50 km/h expected over the next two to three days. Further damage could exacerbate supply shortages and push prices even higher.
For international food investors and distributors, this is a strategic alert. Indian crop losses may tighten global mango supply, pushing prices higher.
Therefore, buyers should reassess sourcing stability, consider alternative origins such as Pakistan, Mexico, or Brazil, and secure contracts early. Ongoing environmental disruptions highlight the risks of over-reliance on any single production region and highlight the need for diversified supply chains.
Farmers in the affected districts are calling for government assistance, including crop-loss assessments and financial support for replanting.
Ultimately, the full extent of the damage will become clearer once the current weather system passes. Still, early estimates suggest significant economic losses for smallholder farmers who rely on these crops for their annual income.
The combination of pest pressure, erratic weather, and storm damage has made this season particularly challenging for Andhra Pradesh’s fruit growers.
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