Rajkot's kesar mango, a popular summer fruit, is expected to see a significant drop in production this year, with estimates suggesting a reduction of nearly 50%. The warmer winter has adversely affected the flowering process, essential for fruit setting, as reported by mango farmers in Gujarat. Last year marked a record in both production and exports of mangoes from the state, but the current season is anticipated to disappoint domestic consumers.
Professor D.K. Varu from Junagadh Agriculture University's horticulture department highlighted the temperature fluctuations as the main culprit, stating: "This year, flowering has not set in because of fluctuations in temperatures." He further explained the ideal conditions for mango flowering and noted that this winter's temperatures exceeded these parameters, leading to a projected 40% to 50% decline in kesar mango production. The cultivation area spans approximately 25,000 hectares across Junagadh, Gir-Somnath, Amreli, and Bhavnagar districts, with an average output of 2.50 lakh tonnes, though recent years have seen a decrease due to climate change.
Additionally, the Gujarat Meteorological Department has forecasted unseasonal rains in the mango bowl of Valsad, prompting high alert among mango and vegetable farmers in the region and neighboring districts. The Valsad District Horticulture and Agriculture Departments have issued advisories urging farmers to take precautionary measures against the expected weather anomalies.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
