Bengaluru Sees Winter Mangoes: Early Arrival Sparks Curiosity, High Prices

• Bengaluru markets are witnessing an unusual early arrival of mangoes like Neelam and Banganapalli in winter, months before their traditional summer season.
• These off-season mangoes, priced higher at Rs 150-160/kg, are sourced from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, where controlled cultivation induces early flowering.
• Despite the novelty, sales are slow due to consumer concerns about artificial ripening, perceived compromised taste, and the elevated prices.
• Agricultural experts confirm that regulated use of plant growth regulators for early flowering is safe and does not leave harmful residues.
• Currently, winter mangoes are more of a curiosity than a high-demand item, with traders expecting peak sales only during the natural summer season.

Why It Matters: Bengaluru's winter mangoes, a result of controlled farming, face slow sales due to high prices and consumer skepticism.