The Northern Territory’s 2024-25 mango season has yielded 3.9 million trays, producing 51.75 per cent of Australia’s mangoes, with 2,000 local, national and international workers helping NT mango businesses pick and pack this season.

Over 27,500 tonnes of mangoes have been harvested from nearly 6,500 hectares of orchards between Darwin and Mataranka this season, the government said.

“Territory-grown mangoes are known for their exceptional quality, and thanks to our unique tropical climate and hardworking growers, they’re the first to hit shelves each season—whether it’s at local markets or major supermarkets across Australia,” Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Gerard Maley said.

“We’re proud to be Australia’s leading mango producer, with our renowned mangoes not only being the Territory’s most valuable horticultural crop but also enjoyed across the country and around the world.”

NT Farmers Association president Simon Smith emphasised the mango industry’s significance to the Northern Territory’s agricultural achievements, playing a vital role in bolstering the local economy, providing jobs, and contributing to overall agricultural prosperity in the region.

“Like all horticultural industries, the Northern Territory mango industry faces many challenges,” Mr Smith said. “From rising costs and reducing margins to ongoing biosecurity concerns, it’s increasingly difficult for growers to remain competitive. Nonetheless, the NT’s mango industry has continually proven its resilience, adapting to challenges and remaining a strong and innovative sector.”

Mr Smith added that collaboration between industry and government is critical to foster the continued growth and prosperity of the NT’s agricultural sector.

He said that plant-based industries hold significant potential for sustainable economic development and the creation of enduring opportunities.

The NT Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) is collaborating with counterparts in Western Australia and Queensland to investigate new options for post-harvest treatments. This follows the recent changes in regulations set by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), aiming to support the continued success of the mango industry in adapting to changing domestic market needs.

Meanwhile, the DAF said it has pinpointed the likely cause of Mango Twig Tip Dieback (MTTD), a condition believed to cost the NT mango industry around $7 million each year.

The department said that research indicates that specific species of fungi, namely Lasiodiplodia and Neofusicoccum, are most likely responsible for this issue, which is a significant advancement in efforts to manage its impact. Currently, DAF is collaborating with mango growers in the NT and the Australian Mango Industry Association to initiate research trials aimed at mitigating the effects of this disease and protecting mango production.

The NT Government said it is focusing projects on critical areas such as genetics, climate resilience, variety evaluation, geographical diversification, postharvest quality and shelf-life prediction, and innovation.

“We are working closely with local mango producers and the broader agricultural sector to ensure a strong and sustainable future for the industry,” Mr Maley said.