By Umar Nsubuga
Mango farming can be a lucrative venture, but like any agricultural business, it comes with its own set of challenges.
For aspiring commercial mango farmers, understanding and avoiding common pitfalls is crucial to ensuring long-term success.
Stephen Lumbuye, a fruit farmer and resident of Kiyuni village, Katente parish in Mubende district, says one of the biggest challenges in mango farming is dealing with unpredictable weather conditions.
He says mangoes thrive in warm, tropical climates with defined dry and wet seasons. However, with climate change, weather patterns are becoming increasingly erratic.
“Unseasonal rains or extended dry periods can significantly affect flowering, fruit set, and yield. Farmers must invest in irrigation systems to mitigate the impact of droughts and learn weather monitoring to time their farming activities better”, he says.
Pests and diseases
Henry Sekyewa, an agronomist says mango trees are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, such as fruit flies, powdery mildew, and anthracnose.
He says these can reduce the quality of the fruit, lower yields, or even destroy the entire crop. To avoid this challenge, commercial mango farmers need to adopt integrated pest management strategies, which involve regular monitoring, biological control, and the use of organic or chemical pesticides when necessary.
Poor post-harvest handling
A common issue among mango farmers is poor post-harvest handling, which can lead to significant losses. Mangoes are highly perishable and require proper handling, storage, and transportation to reach the market in good condition, he says.
Bruising, over-ripening, and improper storage can degrade the fruit quality. Sekyewa says farmers should invest in proper packaging materials, cold storage facilities, and transportation methods to reduce post-harvest losses.
Market fluctuations
Lumbuye says the mango market can be unpredictable, with prices fluctuating due to oversupply, competition, or changes in demand.
“Farmers often face a situation where their produce fetches low prices during peak season. To avoid this, diversifying sales channels, such as selling to local markets, exporting, or processing mangoes into value-added products like juices or dried mangoes, can help mitigate market risks,” he explains.
Lack of access to finance
For many commercial mango farmers, especially those just starting out, access to capital can be a significant challenge.
Lumbuye says mango farming requires substantial upfront investment in land, seedlings, fertilisers, and farm equipment. Without proper financing, farmers may struggle to maintain or expand their farms.
It’s important to explore different financing options, such as agricultural loans, grants, or partnerships with investors, to ensure steady cash flow for farm operations.
Inefficient farm management
Mango farming on a commercial scale requires good farm management practices to ensure success.
He says poor management can result in low yields, misallocation of resources, and higher production costs. Farmers should focus on training themselves or hiring qualified farm managers to oversee daily operations, including irrigation, pruning, fertilization, and pest control.
Labour shortages
According to Lumbuye, mango farming is labour-intensive, especially during the planting and harvesting seasons. Labour shortages can delay critical activities, leading to lower production and reduced fruit quality.
Farmers need to plan ahead by securing a reliable labor force and offering incentives to retain workers during peak seasons.
Lack of technical knowledge
Sekyewa says growing mangoes on a commercial scale requires a deep understanding of the crop’s needs, from soil preparation and planting to irrigation, fertilisation, and pest control.
“Many farmers jump into mango farming without the technical know-how, leading to poor yields. Farmers should invest in continuous learning by attending agricultural workshops, seeking advice from experts, and staying updated with the latest farming technologies,” Sekyewa advises.
Soil degradation
Sekyewa says over time, soil fertility can degrade due to continuous cropping without replenishing nutrients. Mango trees require specific soil conditions for optimal growth, and depleted soil can stunt their development.
“Regular soil testing, proper crop rotation, and the use of organic compost and fertilizers can help maintain soil health and ensure sustainable mango farming,” he explains.
For farmers looking to export mangoes, meeting international export standards can be a challenge. Different countries have stringent regulations regarding pesticide use, fruit quality, and packaging.
