Unseasonal weather has caused severe damage to fruit crops across India, with heavy rains and strong winds devastating orchards and plantations in Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
In Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, nearly 550 tons of mangoes were lost just weeks before harvest. Farmers across several mandals, including Penumuru and Bangarupalyam, reported hundreds of trees uprooted and mature fruits scattered due to intense winds and rain. Already facing a below-average season due to delayed flowering, growers said the storm destroyed both crops and trees. Many rushed damaged mangoes to market yards, where prices were as low as $60 per ton, barely covering transport and labour costs. Farmers are now urging government intervention to restore orchards and provide compensation.
In the Solan district, Himachal Pradesh, unseasonal rain and hailstorms caused crop losses worth approximately $167,000, primarily affecting apple, kiwi, and stone fruits. The horticulture department reported that 207 metric tons of pears, peaches, and plums were damaged, impacting over 500 farmers. Floriculture was also hit hard; in Manush Tikri village, a farmer lost an entire Lilium flower crop valued at about $24,000. Strong winds additionally damaged polyhouses in Kandaghat, with losses estimated at $8,400. Deputy Director of Horticulture Dr Shiwali Thakur advised farmers to take immediate preventive measures to avoid fungal infections on damaged plants.
In Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, strong winds and rain destroyed several thousand acres of banana crops, especially in areas near Tiruvaiyaru such as Perumpuliyur, Kaduveli, and Konerirajapuram. Most of the affected farmers had cultivated the poovan variety, and many plantations were ready for harvest. The gale on Sunday night flattened nearly all standing crops, causing losses to farmers who had invested about $1,800 per acre. Joint Director of Horticulture Venkatraman confirmed that around 1,000 banana trees were reported damaged and that a report would be submitted to the district administration for compensation.
These back-to-back weather events have compounded the challenges faced by fruit growers, many of whom had already experienced poor yields in previous seasons. With damage assessments underway, affected farmers across the regions are seeking prompt government support to recover from the setbacks.
Source 1: Deccan Chronicle
Source 2: The Tribune
Source 3: DT Next
