Muthalamada, the center of mango cultivation in Kerala, is experiencing a significant crisis, with an 80% drop in production levels compared to previous years. This decline has severely impacted the region's seasonal business, which previously boasted a turnover exceeding Rs 5 bln (€55 mln). Local farmers and exporters have identified this downturn as unprecedented in the last four decades, attributing it to a combination of climate change, insect infestation, and the overuse of pesticides. The area is known for a diverse range of mango varieties such as alphonso, banganapalli, and totapuri, all of which are currently yielding reduced harvests.
A seasoned farmer from the region highlighted the adverse effects of an unexpected downpour in December, which damaged the mango blossoms, alongside pest attacks that have been exacerbated by pests developing resistance to the pesticides. The delay in the flowering season has also been cited as a contributing factor to the reduced productivity in Muthalamada's mango orchards.
Source: https://newindianexpress.com