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Auction of kesar, a variety of mango grown in Saurashtra region, began in Talala (Gir) Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), the biggest APMC for kesar mango in the state, on Tuesday.
The auction has begun 13 days late than last year as unfavourable weather in January and April damaged the crop and its growth.
Total arrival of kesar mango stood at 33,000 boxes of 10 kg each on first day, about four times higher than that of last year. Last year, the auction started on May 6 while arrival stood at 8,300 boxes.
Due to high arrival and quality issues, farmers did not get good price of kesar mango.
A box was traded for Rs 175-350 on Tuesday while the rate quoted on the first day of the auction last year was Rs 175-725 per box.
Harsukh Zarsaniya, secretary of Talala APMC said, "Quality was average on the first day as unseasonal rainfall damaged mango in many parts of Saurashtra. Farmers selling has increased this year and supply situation has also improved."
Auction will continue till monsoon starts or the end of June.
