Litchi orchards in Uttarakhand are spread across 10,000 hectares, producing 25,000 tons of the fruit every year. In Dehradun, the prime litchi belt, the litchi yield is much smaller in size this season. According to farmers, industry stakeholders and officials of the state horticulture department, the yield has taken a hit across the state, due to erratic weather (dry winters and excess rains and unusual cold in the spring months).
Uttarakhand recorded surplus rainfall in the pre-monsoon season (March 1 to May 21). Dehradun recorded 43% surplus rainfall in the period and the coldest May in 15 years.
In May, when litchis need dry and hot weather, it rained heavily. This led to excess moisture, spoiling the fruit. Farmers believe if the rains continue, overall yield of litchis will be hit by at least 50%.
Source: indiatimes.com
