The profitability of mangoes in the top end.
Ngo H., Owens G.
Author Affiliation: Strategic Services, Department of Business, Industry & Resource Development (DBIRD), Northern Territory Government, Australia.
Technical Bulletin - Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries and the Office of Resource Development, Northern Territory of Australia : 27 pp.
Abstract : This bulletin provides potential mango growers in the Top End region of the Northern Territory, Australia with updated financial indicators regarding the profitability of the fruit. The revised budget is based on a more realistic yield range of 5.2-14.5 t/ha. The costs of fertilizers, paclobutrazol, irrigation, pruning and pest and disease control have also been revised and updated according to current recommendation and normal industry practice. Internal rates of return in real terms of three orchard sizes at various marketable yields and wholesale prices are calculated. In general, the profitability of a mango orchard can be improved if: a yield of around 14-15 t/ha (mature trees) can be achieved; a wholesale southern price of $18/tray or higher can be achieved; orchards are large enough to obtain better returns through economies of scale resulting in lower production costs; production costs can be reduced; returns could be improved by having mango orchards in both the Katherine region and the Darwin region, instead of just in the Darwin region; and larger volumes of mangoes could be channelled to alternative markets to lessen the pressure on future prices.