Mango Farmers Face Market Shift, Hailstorm Ahead of Harvest: What's Next?

• Karnataka mango growers, including Ramesh Gowda, face uncertainty as traditional Gulf buyers go silent weeks before harvest.
• The usual cycle of traders visiting, inspecting, and paying advances for Gulf exports is broken this year due to regional tensions.
• Farmers and associations are exploring new markets like the USA, UK, and Singapore; Singapore has already ordered 200 tonnes.
• Over 100 growers in Karnataka are registering as independent exporters, shifting away from reliance on middlemen and single markets.
• Hailstorms in parts of Karnataka, particularly Belagavi, have severely damaged crops, adding to the challenges for affected farmers.