Kangra mangoes set to give juicy returns to growers

Despite hailstorms and gusty winds last month affecting the crop in some pockets, Kangra's mango produce this time is expected to be higher than that of previous year.

- Dar Ovais

DHARAMSHALA: Despite hailstorms and gusty winds last month affecting the crop in some pockets, Kangra's mango produce this time is expected to be higher than that of previous year.

According to estimates from the horticulture department, mango production is expected to be more than 25,000 metric tonnes (MT) this year, up from last year's 22,000 MT.

In 2023, the production was only 16,800 MT when adverse weather had impacted the crop.

This year, mangoes are noticeably larger than last year, when reduced rainfall negatively impacted their growth in Kangra valley.

The crop was affected by the drought-like situation during fruit development.

Also known as king of fruits, mango is cultivated in the lower belt of Himachal, especially Kangra district where it is a main crop and grown on around 21,600 hectares.