Uttar Pradesh, in the northern region of India, contributes significantly to the country's mango production, accounting for 40% of the total yield. This state, the largest producer of mangoes in India, is renowned for cultivating key varieties such as dussehri, langda, and chausa. Despite the challenging hot weather conditions prevailing across North India, these conditions are deemed beneficial for mango ripening, promoting natural fruit maturity without the adverse effects of hailstorms or strong winds which have previously damaged crops.
Agricultural experts highlight the importance of the current climatic conditions for the mango crop. T. Damodaran, director of ICAR-Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture (CISH) in Lucknow, emphasizes the favorable yield in both western and eastern regions of Uttar Pradesh, including areas near Varanasi.
Furthermore, P.K. Shukla, principal scientist at CISH, points out the resilience of mangoes to high temperatures during their ripening stage, which is crucial for fruit development. However, the sector has faced challenges in previous years, with significant losses due to weather anomalies and pest infestations, underscoring the vulnerability of mango production to environmental factors.
Source: hindustantimes.com