Daltonganj: Mango cultivators under the govt-run Birsa Harit Gram Yojana in Latehar district are facing a double blow from erratic weather and poor market returns.Unseasonal storms and strong winds have hit mango production across blocks. “Storm and gale devastated around 10 quintal of unripe mangoes as well as a few of my trees. Storm has ruined my earnings,” said Kamlesh Oraon, a beneficiary from Jhano village under Manika block.Oraon took up mango cultivation on two acres under the scheme and has around 200 trees. As per norms, one acre under the scheme accommodates around 112 mango trees.Similar concerns were raised by Surender, husband of Shalini Devi, a beneficiary from Marang Loiya village in Balumath block. “We did mango cultivation on one acre. But bad weather uprooted three of my trees,” he said.Surender said he took preventive steps for future yield since his plantation is still in the early stage. “My mango trees are just a year old. I hope better yield in 2027,” he added.Cultivators also flagged issues with market linkages and pricing. “Plucking, packing, transporting, and selling mangoes is a day-long tiresome affair. But buyers often manipulate prices. We get very little money for all these,” said Oraon.While good quality mangoes are priced at Rs 50–60 per kg in Latehar, beneficiaries are often paid less, sources said.Taking note of the concerns, Latehar DDC Syed Reyaz Ahmad held a meeting with mango cultivators and prospective buyers on Tuesday. He directed officials to ensure fair pricing and improved market access.Jharkhand MGNREGA watch convener James Herunj said, “Mango cultivation under the Birsa Harit Gram Yojana in Latehar is quite a common activity. The need is to have a good and fair market value of it.”
