KOLKATA: A long spell of heat without rain in April, when the mango trees needed drenching, caused nearly 50% production loss, pushing mango prices through the roof, say those associated with the trade. The retail prices of mangoes now range between Rs80 and Rs180 across the city retail markets.
In India, most mango varieties thrive in places with good rainfall (75 to 375 cm per annum) and dry seasons. The distribution of rainfall is more important than its volume. Dry weather before blossoming is conducive to profuse flowering.
