The decrease in temperatures in parts of India, including Trichy, has influenced the demand for summer refreshments. Conditional shifts in May, noted for being cooler and more precipitation-heavy, have seen a drop in the sales of items such as coconut, watermelon, and fruit juices.
During peak summer in mid-April, the demand soared as heat waves drove people towards juice vendors, increasing the turnover of watermelons, tender coconuts, and cucumbers. This upward trend halted mid-May. "Sales have dropped by half in weeks, even near the bus stand where thousands visit every day," states S Thamimun Ansari, a coconut vendor in Trichy. Frequent rainfall led to a cooling effect, altering the usual summer pattern.
From a distribution perspective, wholesalers report as much as an 85% decline in business. Previously, large volumes of tender coconuts were transported from Coimbatore and Tirupur, but now, demand has forced down requirements significantly. "Currently, we need only one truck of watermelons. We also slashed prices to increase sales due to less demand," mentions S A Khaja Mohideen, a distributor.
Local cultivation has also taken a hit, with areas like Thottiyam witnessing a downturn in watermelon distribution. Farmers like P Kanagaraj are questioning future cultivation plans. The meteorological analysis attributes these changes to an advanced monsoon onset and conditions such as increased wind speed, facilitating this shift. Dr. B. Amutha of the Chennai Meteorological Department notes, "Rainfall is more in May as the onset of southwest monsoon has advanced a week early from June first week."
Source: Times of India
