West Asia crisis: Export uncertainty hits mango farmers in Karnataka, expect steady prices

Farmers in Kolar, Ramanagara and Chikkaballapur districts in Karnataka, who used to get advance orders for export of mangoes to countries like the UAE, have been hit this year due to continuing tensions in West Asia. Growers say this has disrupted their usual export flow, forcing them to look at other markets, like the UK and Canada. 

This season, production is better compared to the last two years. As a result, traders and growers say, prices are unlikely to rise sharply. 

Mahantesh P. from Chikkaballapur said he registered as an exporter with the Horticulture Department this year to avoid middlemen. He said the usual export chain was affected due to the war in West Asia, and they are now trying to explore markets in the UK and Canada. 

Mangoes have already started arriving in city markets, but traders say supplies have not yet reached full capacity. In the next 10 days, more varieties from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and parts of Karnataka are expected to arrive. At present, both supply and demand remain low. 

Traders said exporters are now being asked to pay more than 50% advance in cash due to the uncertainty. “Many of our regular buyers did not turn up this year. Some who came did not confirm orders, and a few did not make payments,” a trader said. 

In 2025, the crop was hit by untimely showers in January. This year, supply is better, and prices are expected to remain moderate. Selvan Kumar M., a trader in Bengaluru, said overripe mangoes usually go to pulp industries during the end of the season, mainly in Tamil Nadu, but rising transport costs and uncertain demand are concerns. “Right now, the focus is on getting better returns from local sales,” he added. 

“Prices are currently steady, with Alphonso at ₹280–300 per kg, Raspuri and Sindhura at around ₹250, and Banganapalle at ₹180–200,” said Sridhar M. from K.R. Market in Bengaluru. He added that prices of varieties available through the season may go down further, affecting margins.