Kolar farmers chop mango trees after years of losses, switch to ragi and vegetables

Kolar district, known as the mango heartland of Karnataka, is witnessing a drastic shift as farmers chop down thousands of mango trees after three consecutive years of financial losses. The move, concentrated in areas like Sugatur village, Madanahalli, and Srinivasapura taluk, has alarmed agricultural officials and raised concerns about next year's mango production.

Farmers say that the losses from mango cultivation have become unsustainable. The district accounts for about 60% of the state's mango output, with 42,000 to 45,000 hectares devoted solely to mango farming. However, low market prices, erratic weather, and disease have pushed many to abandon the crop.

T.V. Ramesh, a mango farmer, told reporters that he had chopped down trees on two-and-a-half acres of his land. 'In the last two years, I have incurred huge losses, especially from Totapuri variety. If I continue for one more year, I will have to stop farming and sell the land or end my life,' he said. Ramesh is now preparing to cultivate ragi.

Murali Thotli cut down trees planted by his father on four-and-a-half acres. He had grown mixed varieties including Benisha and Totapuri. 'Totapuri's price is only ₹3 per kg, and Benisha's yield is of poor quality. The size of Benisha mango is smaller than usual—only 100 to 200 grams instead of 300 to 500 grams. This might be due to abrupt rains, weather changes, and diseases,' he explained. Thotli plans to grow ragi or, if water is available, vegetables like tomato, cabbage, and brinjal.

Farmers cite another reason: mango trees create dense shade, making it impossible to grow other crops alongside them. 'When we try to cultivate other crops, sunlight does not reach them. If mango trees catch diseases, they spread to other crops,' Ramesh said.

The felled trees are being sold to brick manufacturing units near Bengaluru. The wood is not strong enough for furniture, so it is used as fuel for brick kilns. Some farmers have given away the wood for free.

S.R. Kumara Swamy, Deputy Director of the Horticulture Department in Kolar, expressed disappointment. 'The state government has tried to provide assistance. We urged the Centre to give a support price. I understand the distress, but chopping trees is not a solution. The price could rise next year depending on demand,' he said. He warned that the mass chopping would likely reduce the state's mango produce next year.

The situation highlights the vulnerability of farmers to market fluctuations and climate shocks. With no safety net and limited options for crop diversification under the existing tree cover, many see removal as the only way out.