Virus hits multi-crore mango trade in Chittoor district; official says efforts on to counter adverse effects of social media posts

Nipah virus has cast a shadow on the multi-crore mango trade in Rayalaseema, thanks to the viral videos in social media, warning people against eating fruits bitten by bats.

The harvest of mango crop is yet to commence in most parts of Chittoor district, as it is tentatively scheduled from June 15, with a two-month delay. However, some select spots and towns are now beaming with various varieties of the king of fruits.

Till a week ago, despite the high price of ₹80 to ₹100 a kg, mangoes were sold like hot cakes. Now, the number of consumers showing interest in mango has drastically declined from the day Nipah-related deaths were reported from Kerala, suspecting bats as the vectors of the virus.

Telling effect

The threat of Nipah virus has a telling effect on the mango trade in the district. Some vendors expressed serious concern at the dwindling sales since two days. “People who come to us are now looking at the fruits suspiciously. They are thoroughly scanning the fruit, searching for any damage or spots or scars on it. Even a single spot on the fruit is enough for it to be rejected,” a trader at the mango shandy at Anjeramma Kona Toll Plaza between Vadamalapeta and Puttur said.

This seasonal mango shandy at the toll plaza is the cynosure of all highway riders, with display of at least a dozen varieties. Only at this place can one see the kaleidoscopic view of mangoes, with many vehicles stopping for purchases. This phenomenon is missing since the outbreak of Nipah in Kerala.

Even people have started avoiding drinking mango juice at the shops. “It is not out of any fear or threat of Nipah, but somehow the thought of eating mango makes me uneasy,” is the general response from the customers, who are choosing alternatives such as grape or orange.

Senior Scientist, Horticulture Research Station, Anantarajupeta near Railway Kodur in Kadapa district, R. Nagaraju, said bats invading the mango and guava orchards when the fruit is ready for harvest was a regular feature in Rayalaseema districts. “It is scientifically established that bats are the vectors of Nipah virus. The social media posts warning people against eating bat-bitten fruit are certainly creating panic. We are certain that eating undamaged fruit is safe, and there is no threat of any virus from them. People are strictly advised not to eat fruit, with symptoms of damage of any nature,” he said.

Deputy Director (Horticulture) Saraswathi told The Hindu that the mango yield plummeted to alarming levels this year.

“As against the average yield of 10 tonnes per hectare, the present projection is just 4 to 5 tonnes. There is a big confusion in the public about the crop pattern. The mango harvest is yet commence in Chittoor district owing to two-month delay in flowering. At this stage, the social media posts about Nipah virus are a major concern to us. We are taking all precautions to counter the adverse effects of the social media posts on mangoes,” the official said.