Panaji: Prices of Goa’s prized Mancurad mango have dropped to around Rs 2,500 per dozen in the Panaji market, bringing relief to consumers after a steep start to the season.The Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged premium variety, known for its rich flavour and aroma, initially was selling at Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 per dozen due to limited early arrivals and high demand. However, traders say a steady increase in supply over the past week has led to an improvement in prices.“Now that more fruit is steadily coming into the market, rates have started easing. Earlier, there was very little stock, which pushed prices up,” said fruit vendor Shammi Sheikh.“This season started slow, but now the quantity has picked up. As more orchards begin harvesting, prices will continue to stabilise,” said a grower from Valpoi.Vendors noted that while Rs 2,500 per dozen is still relatively high, it is a noticeable drop from the initial rates that kept the fruit out of reach for many.“Customers were buying only half a dozen mangoes at a time earlier. Now we are seeing more demand again as they pick up one to two dozen,” fruit vendor Manjunath Hublikar said.Agriculture stakeholders say the peak mango season in Goa is still a few weeks away, suggesting that prices could soften further if supply continues to rise. “At present, arrivals are increasing daily. If weather conditions remain favourable, the market will see more fruit, and prices may come down further,” another vendor said.Despite the price drop, the common man is yet to fully surrender to the summer fruit. By the first week of May, Mancurad becomes more accessible as other varieties also enter the market and a more active mango season spreads across the state. “We will wait until then,” consumer Poorvi Patil said.
