Hyderabad: Mango prices have surged sharply across Hyderabad markets as limited early arrivals and adverse weather conditions have hit supply drastically this season.

Traders and officials attribute the spike to a mix of climatic factors and reduced yields, even as demand continues to rise.

According to B Babu, Joint Director in the Telangana Horticulture Department, only about 5-10 per cent of the crop has arrived early in the markets, as farmers rush their initial produce to get higher prices. Unseasonal rains, heavy winds, and lack of protective measures in mango orchards have affected flowering and fruit setting.

"This year, overall production is expected to be around 30 per cent lower compared to last year," he said, adding that nearly three lakh acres are under mango cultivation in the state, with around 2.8 lakh acres in the bearing stage. He explained that despite lush flowering due to low winter temperatures, subsequent weather disturbances, including rains, winds, and pest attacks like thrips and hoppers, have impacted yields.

Benishan varieties are down to nearly 30 per cent of last year's output, while other varieties are at about 60 per cent. Meanwhile, at the retail level, prices have shot up significantly. Mahalakshmi, a vendor at Monda Market, said Badami mangoes are selling at around Rs.210 per kg, while another trader, Abdul, reported prices touching Rs. 300 per kg due to low arrivals and increased transportation costs. The prices were a lot lower in the same period last year.