SOURCE: Nalla Babu, Times of India
Mango jelly production in state has declined by around 60 per cent in this season due to low production of the fruit in parts of the state. Bheemali village in L Kota mandal of Vizianagaram district is popular for its ethnic sweet called mango jelly. However, Covid-19 hit the mango jelly makers hard in 2020 and 2021. The spread of the virus in rural pockets led to shortage of labour, resulting in decrease in the mango jelly production.
Like Banginapalli mangoes of Vizianagaram, Bheemali’s mango jelly is very popular for its traditional sweetness and aroma. The mango jelly makers in the region don’t use artificial flavours or sugar. Bheemali’s mango jelly gained ground in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Odisha and Telangana.
Speaking to TOI, G Ramunaidu, a jelly maker at Bheemali, said they used to produce at least 400 tonnes of mango jelly every summer. “However, the production is on the decline for the past few years. This year, the production has dwindled due to shortage of mangoes on account of low crop. Bheemali region may produce only 100 tonees of jelly this year,” he added.
More than 4,000 people of Bheemali, Alamanda, L Kota, Bhimasingi and few other villages in Vizianagaram district would be engaged in preparing the lip-smacking mango jelly from April to June first week.
“We lost our livelihood due to Covid-19. We expected some good returns this year, but the low production of the mangoes dashed our hopes this year too, said G Raju, a mango jelly maker at Bheemali.
The situation is similar in other parts of Andhra Pradesh where mango jelly is produced. Most of the jelly makers felt that their trade has turned bitter in the past few years. The jelly makers used to purchase quality mangoes such as Collector, Kolam Gova and Thotapuri varieties from parts of the state. They will glue pulp mixed with sugar on the baboo mats till the jelly reaches three-inch thickness and then dry for at least four weeks.