In Goa, known for its cashew and mango plantations, there has been a significant decrease in the yield of these crops by an average of 50% this year, as reported by local farmers. The decline is attributed to various natural factors, including pre-monsoon rains, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, which not only damaged the mango crops but also facilitated a breeding environment for flies within the fruits.
Despite the challenges, cashew farmers in Morpila continue their traditional practices of collecting the fruit. Nevil Alphonso, the Director of Agriculture, confirmed the substantial decrease in harvest, noting a fall of 30% to 60% for both cashew and mango crops, with a delay in the flowering of cashews. He further mentioned that unseasonal rains might not immediately impact the cashew crop, but continuous rainfall could. The pricing of cashew nuts remains stable at Rs 111 per kg, with no fluctuations observed this year. However, the mango crop has experienced poor flowering, leading to a delay in flowering and yield, with expectations of a lower yield based on current flowering patterns.
According to heraldgoa.in, one cashew farmer from Morpila noted a slight decrease in the rate of cashew nuts from Rs 123 last year to Rs 111 this year, attributing the stable cashew harvest in their region to lesser rainfall compared to other areas.
Mango yield crisis looms in Telangana's Mancherial district
Meanwhile, in Mancherial district of Telangana, encompassing over 18,000 acres dedicated to mango cultivation, farmers are facing a potential decline in yield attributed to adverse weather conditions. The district, a prominent mango producer, has its cultivation spread across three clusters: Bellampalli with 9,870 acres, Chennur with 7,160 acres, and Mancherial with 1,120 acres. Despite the initial promising bloom, the orchards are now at risk of reduced output due to disease outbreaks linked to cloudy weather and unseasonal rainfall. The use of inorganic pesticides is prevalent among growers attempting to salvage their crops. A comparative decline of at least 20% from the 2019 yield is anticipated if the current weather patterns persist, particularly impacting the orchards during the critical flowering phase.
[ Rs 100 = €1.10 ]
Source: telanganatoday.com