A vendor cuts raw mangoes to make pickle at Monda market as households start preparing pickles during the peak summer mango season in Hyderabad on Friday. | Photo credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR
As summer progresses, mangoes—both raw and ripe—dominate Telangana markets, with raw mango pickle once again becoming a seasonal staple in households in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The cucumber business not only maintains the tradition but also creates a dispersed seasonal business for the farmers. Still, this year’s volatile raw mango prices have unsettled vendors, farmers and pickle makers.
The story of Telangana’s mango season this year is not all about taste and tradition. It reflects the fragile supply chains, rising costs and uncertain economics of the fruit that defines summer. For retailers, wholesalers and pickle makers, fluctuations in raw mango prices are compounded by global fluctuations and local issues. Insecurity is pushing farmers to diversify, even away from mangoes.
While street vendors in Erragadda rythu bazaars report an increase of ₹ 5-6 compared to last year, vendors in Mehdipatnam bazaars reported a decrease of ₹ 5-6.
Aslam Khan, a vendor in Mehdipatnam, said that raw mangoes now fetch between ₹15-25 per piece, while ripe mangoes cost ₹100 per kg. Much of the supply comes from Guntur. However, sales declined. He said cucumber exports to West Asia, particularly the United Arab Emirates, were disrupted due to flight cancellations related to the Iran-Israel conflict, which limited profits.
Hyderabad, Telangana, 08/05/2026: A vendor displays different varieties of mangoes for sale at Monda Market as the peak mango season brings an abundance of summer fruits to markets in Hyderabad on Friday. | Photo credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR
Wholesalers echo similar concerns. Mohammad Mosin of MM Market, Erragadda, attributes the price jump to limited supplies and rising shipping costs for smaller consignments. Uday Kiran, a shopkeeper at Alwal rythu bazaar, says a 100kg bag costs ₹3,000, yielding only a 20% margin.
Independent pickle sellers face a different challenge. Srinivas, who sources mangoes locally, notes that while raw mango prices have fallen slightly to ₹18-20 per kg this year, the real burden lies in soaring input costs. “Last year, chillies were ₹100 per kg, now they are ₹160. Oil prices have also shot up by more than half,” he says, pointing out that these necessities increase production costs more than mango prices alone.
“The mango pickle market is witnessing steady demand this season, which is driven by traditional preferences and growing interest in domestic varieties. The rising cost of raw materials has affected prices, but consumers are willing to pay more for better quality and hygienic preparation. Factors such as freshness of mangoes, purity of spices and oils and shelf life are becoming important factors for buyers,” says Mrs. Durgakuri, resident of Old Alwale Al.
Current farm prices for raw mangoes range between ₹30 and ₹50 per kg. The raw mango harvest season starts around May 1st. “Some of the leading varieties of raw mangoes used to make pickles include rasalu, kothapalli kobbari, totapuri. Prices of raw mangoes are slightly higher than the ripe fruit. Banginapally variety was selling at ₹20-30 per kg, dasheri at ₹2-35 ₹45-50,” said Mitpally Prathap Reddy, a farmer from Jagtial.
(The writers are interns at The Hindu, Hyderabad)
Published – 09 May 2026 09:21 IST
