Mango growers in several Indian states are encountering losses due to untimely rains and strong winds impacting crops pre-harvest. In Andhra Pradesh's NTR district, areas like Thiruvuru, Mylavaram, Agiripalli, and Nuzvid mandals have experienced mature mangoes falling, making them unsellable. "This is the sixth year in a row that we've suffered," stated K Nageswara Rao, a farmer from Adavinekkalam. "We were hopeful with this year's yield, but the rains ruined everything. I've lost about $445 per hectare already. No buyer wants these fallen mangoes." Farmers, who anticipated a profitable season after previous setbacks like export issues due to Covid-19, pest attacks, and poor yields, face renewed challenges. The damage has also raised concerns about the orchards' long-term productivity. Farmers are urging government intervention for compensation and for mango cultivation to be recognized as a high-risk sector. "Exports will take a severe hit again. Shortage in supply is already being felt across markets," remarked mango trader Narendar Singh.
Unseasonal rains also affected Telangana's erstwhile Warangal district, damaging about 268 hectares of mango crops. In Mahbubabad district, 182 hectares suffered damage, while the Mulugu and Warangal districts reported 60 and 25 hectares of damage, respectively. A preliminary report from the Horticulture Department was submitted to the state government. Mahbubabad Horticulture Officer J Mariyanna confirmed the extent of the crop damage. Traders note a return of mangoes to the markets, with fresh mangoes priced around $780 to $840 per ton, while damaged ones fetch $48 to $72 per ton. In Medak district, including Siddipet, Narayankhed, Zaheerabad, and Sangareddy, mango crops were also destroyed. Former minister T Harish Rao urged agricultural officers to assess the damage and demanded compensation of $593 per hectare for affected farmers. BRS activists visited Chinnakodur mandal, supporting farmers and promising to pressure the government for relief.
Conversely, in Malihabad, Lucknow's mango belt, the unseasonal rain had mixed effects. While thunderstorms caused immature fruit to drop, growers noted the rain would aid the remaining fruit's growth. "Only yesterday did we request the government for irrigation arrangements. The rain saved us a week of irrigation and significant costs," explained Upendra Singh, general secretary of Awadh Aam Utpadak Baagwani Samiti. A hectare typically requires 20 hours of irrigation, with each hour costing about $1.80. Orchard owner Naseeb Khan observed that the dropped fruit was too small to be useful. Malihabad's mangoes, including Dussehri, Langda, Lucknauva Safeda, and Chausa, are at various development stages. Khan added that the wind's low intensity spared significant damage. However, high temperatures in February had already affected flowering, limiting fruit formation. Weather fluctuations during flowering stages, especially excess heat, can severely impact mango yields.
Source: 1-Times of India, 2-New Indian Express, 3-Times of India