The mango season in Talala has officially come to an end, marking one of the most disappointing years for farmers and traders alike. This year, the Talala Marketing Yard, the only centre for mango auctions in the Gir region, saw its first auction on April 26, 2025, and it concluded on June 8, 2025. Over the past 44 days, the yard recorded a total of 449,450 boxes of mangoes, which is the lowest in 23 years. In the year 2001-2002, 431,430 boxes were recorded in the same yard. Despite the average price of mangoes reaching ₹560 per 10 kg this year compared to ₹750 in 2001-2002, the overall income plummeted significantly.
Adverse weather conditions and unseasonal rains have been cited as the main reasons for this decline in mango production. The unexpected weather changes caused severe damage to the mango crops, leading to the lowest number of boxes sold in the history of the Talala Marketing Yard. According to the chairman of the yard, the estimated sales of mangoes this year amounted to ₹24 to ₹26 crore. However, this year is considered very weak for both farmers and traders.
The mango season is crucial for many farmers in the Gir region, as it provides them with a significant source of income. The famous Kesar mangoes from Talala are highly sought after, not only in Gujarat but also across India and internationally. As the season began, many farmers were hopeful for a good yield, but the reality turned out to be quite different.
During this season, farmers faced challenges that they have not encountered in recent years. The harsh weather and unpredictable rains have affected the quality and quantity of the mangoes produced. Farmers who typically rely on steady prices found themselves in a tough spot as the market fluctuated unpredictably. Many chose to sell their mangoes in Junagadh, where the prices were reportedly better, despite the Talala yard being known for its Kesar variety.
Currently, the mango season is slowly gaining momentum, with daily arrivals of the Kesar mango increasing. The Junagadh Marketing Yard has seen a rise in the number of boxes sold daily, surpassing that of Talala. Farmers who are looking for better prices are opting to sell in Junagadh, while those who want a quick sale are heading to Talala. The prices at Junagadh are reported to range from ₹300 to ₹1,050 per 10 kg, while in Talala, they range from ₹325 to ₹1,200 per 10 kg.
Despite the setbacks this season, there is still a glimmer of hope for farmers as they look forward to the next mango season. They are hoping for better weather conditions and a return to normalcy in production. The future of the mango industry in the Gir region depends heavily on the ability of farmers to adapt to changing weather patterns and market demands.
In conclusion, the 2025 mango season in Talala has been a challenging one. Farmers and traders experienced significant losses due to adverse weather conditions and low market demand. The community is now looking ahead, hoping for a recovery in the coming seasons and a return to prosperity for all involved in the mango trade.
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