Record-breaking harvest expected for mangos

FARMERS expect to produce a record-breaking mango harvest in 2014, surpassing last year’s.

Mango production in the Axarquia is expected to set a new record at more than 20,000 tons, according to the Association of Young Malaga Farmers (Asaja). General Secretary of Asaja, Benjamin Fauli estimates this year’s mango crop could soar to 20,000 and 25,000 tons, thus tripling last year’s harvest of 7,000 tons and surpassing the 2012 harvest which reached 16,000 tons (€12 million).

Mango prices are expected to be lower than in 2013, given the increase in production. However, Asaja expects mango sales in foreign European markets to increase revenues and surpass the €12 million from 2012.  “We hope the advertising campaigns and the excellent quality of Axarquia mangos help to keep prices around €1 per kilo,” said the General Secretary of Asaja and added that the number of acres of farmland devoted to mangos in Axarquia has increased exponentially. In fact, it has doubled in only five years, he said.

“A lot of farmers are growing mangos instead of avocados, because they require less water, they have a higher yield per hectare and are less affected by pests,” said Fauli.