Unseasonal warm winter and bouts of rainfall in December and January have significantly impacted the production of Nagpur oranges in Maharashtra's regions of Nagpur, Akola, Amravati, and Wardha. The Orange Growers' Association of India (OGAI) estimates losses at 50% compared to the previous year.
According to Amol Totey, OGAI's working president, adverse weather conditions have not only affected fruit quality but also led to the destruction of approximately 5 million tons of produce due to transit rotting, pests, and diseases. Consequently, farmers are receiving a meagre Rs 10 to 15 per kg for their produce, a stark contrast to the expected Rs 40 to 50 per kg.
Amravati grower Gopal Khalokar noted that this is the first time in over a decade that Nagpur orange quality has been so severely compromised. He attributes the crop damage to the unusual winter weather, with cloudy skies and rainfall causing significant harm.
Nagpur remains the largest producer of oranges, renowned for their unique sweet-sour flavour and distinctive aroma. Farmers have urged the government to establish cold storage facilities to mitigate future losses.
[ Rs 100 = €1.10 ]
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com