PANAJI
Goa’s prized malcorado mango is finally slipping within reach of the common man. As orchards across the State push peak-season harvests into local markets, prices that once touched Rs 5,000 a dozen have begun to soften.
In Panaji’s market this week, larger malcorados were quoted at Rs 2,500“Rs 3,000 per dozen, while medium fruit hovered around Rs 2,000. Smaller mangoes were available for as low as Rs 1,500.
Just days earlier, the same premium fruit commanded nearly double those rates.
Agriculture officers say the overall outlook for this year’s crop remains positive, with flowering strong, and initial harvests encouraging.
“If weather conditions continue to remain stable, yields should be satisfactory,” said one officer even as he warned that unseasonal rains could be a dampener.
Farmers on the other hand are cautious taking cues from the pre-monsoon showers which hit part of north-eastern Goa's Sattari sub-district earlier last week.
The rains could trigger premature fruit drop and undo months of effort, several farmers told The Goan.
Growers in Sattari and Old Goa reported early signs of fruit drop, worsened by monkey raids.
“One heavy spell at the wrong time can undo months of effort. We are hopeful, but the skies worry us,” said a farmer from Sattari.
Orchard owner Nestor Rangel added that monkeys compound the problem, leaving growers anxious despite the promising crop.
The malcorado, celebrated for its rich flavour and smooth texture, continues to command a premium despite the easing rates. Traders expect further declines as more orchards release harvests in the coming weeks, but warn that quality fruit will always remain expensive.
“Premium varieties will always be costly. The market adjusts, but top-grade fruit retains its value,” explained another agriculture officer.
For consumers, the price dip has brought the State’s most sought-after mango closer to affordability, making it a highlight of Goa’s summer markets. But for farmers, the season remains a delicate balance between optimism and worry.
