Unseasonal rains and a cooler-than-usual April have disrupted mango production this year, raising concerns of a 10-15% price increase for consumers.

According to Sanjay Shingala, president of the Talala Marketing Yard, the official auction of Kesar mangoes will begin on April 19. He noted that yields are expected to decline due to recent untimely rains and the spread of a disease known as "Madhiyo," for which there is no effective cure. The added cost of managing infected crops is also likely to push prices higher.

Despite lower output, the mango season may stretch longer than usual, potentially over two months, thanks to multiple crop cycles, compared to the typical 45-day window.

The Talala yard in Gir Somnath district remains the largest trading hub for Kesar mangoes grown across Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, and nearby regions.

At Gondal Marketing Yard, arrivals have already begun, but cooler weather has delayed flowering and dampened consumer demand. Traders are currently buying and storing mangoes in anticipation of future demand.

Recent auctions saw 12,969 kg of Kesar mangoes sold at an average of Rs 2,200 per 10-kg box, with top prices reaching Rs 3,400. Alphonso mangoes averaged Rs 4,500 per box, with highs touching Rs7,000. Prices are already slightly higher than last year.