Dashing hopes of local farmers, mango production in Karnataka has significantly decreased to 500,000 tonnes from the anticipated 1.0-1.4 million tonnes. This decline is attributed to adverse weather conditions and pest attacks. Despite initial delays in flowering, stakeholders, including the Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation (KSMDMC), expected an average yield. However, extreme heat conditions led to a drastic reduction in output.
A mango farmer from Ramanagar district described this season as the most challenging he has encountered, with yields plummeting from 10 tonnes to merely 200-250 kilograms per field due to the lack of dew or rain, resulting in the burning of flowers on the trees. Despite efforts to counteract these conditions with multiple rounds of treatment, the adverse weather prevailed.
In Karnataka, mango cultivation spans over 200,000 hectares, with Kolar, accounting for about 60% of this cultivation, also experiencing reduced yields.
Source: thehindu.com