Should climate change be blamed for mangoes hitting markets in India a month earlier?

In a rare and unexpected phenomenon, mangoes are hitting markets across Gujarat much before the actual season begins. Typically accessible after Holi, different varieties of mango including Sundari and Totapuri are being sold.

Experts attribute this unusual phenomenon to climate change. This largely anthropogenic crisis has directly ushered in summer-like conditions. Therefore, mango crops in southern states like Kerala are ripening sooner than expected.

This year, mangoes are arriving nearly a month early. Due to limited supply, mango prices are currently in the range of Rs 150 to Rs 500 per kilo. The high prices are dampening retail demand and only around 10% of customers are making purchases.