Earlier, the Calcutta Fruit Merchants’ Association (CFMA) reported that the production would at least increase by 12 per cent this year. But after the Nor’westers struck various parts of West Bengal this month, the mango production suffered huge losses, which would soon be reflected in the market prices.

About 65,000 hectares is under mango production in West Bengal. The state produces almost 5,00,000 tonnes of mangoes per annum. Malda and Murshidabad account for about 50 per cent of the total production in the state. But this year, owing to the rains, there has been a fall of almost 60 per cent in the production in Malda alone, said Mohd Iftakhar Alam, secretary of CFMA.

The most popular Langra and Fajli varieties are produced in these parts of West Bengal and therefore the city is likely to face a shortage in its supply.

As compared to last year the production of mangoes has fallen to around 35 per cent from 65 per cent, said Shahid Ahmed Khan, joint secretary of CFMA. Thus the price is expected to rise by Rs 5 to Rs10.

Production has also dipped in south India and varieties like Gulabkhash and Baiganphuli will soon become dearer.

India holds the third position in mango export in the world.