Heavy rain, strong winds and hailstorms have hit mango crops in some of India’s main production zones, including Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat, according to reports in the local press.
The authorities say more than 15,000ha have been destroyed and farmers are facing losses of millions of rupees. Telangana is believed to be among the worst affected areas. Official estimates point to a 25 per cent fall in production but growers in some areas say the shortage could be far greater.
“We expect 60 per cent crop failure this season,” Krishna-based producer Challa Ramakrisnha told the Times of India.
The damage comes as growers were preparing for an abundant harvest. Mensi Sariya, an orchard owner in Talala, said: “The hailstorms came as a disaster for us on Saturday and Sunday. Due to good flowering, we were expecting a bumper production of Kesar mango. But due to the rains and hail the fruit has dropped in large number.”
There are fears the excess water will adversely affect the flowering process and lower the quality of the crop, and that short supplies will encourage an increased use of artificial ripening methods, such as carbide, to ripen the fruit.
“Normally, the fruit should remain on the plant for at least 60 days,” one trader said. “If the weather conditions do not improve, harvesting of some varieties could start early.”
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