The early Thursday morning weather shift had limited effects on mangoes in Malihabad, despite other districts facing notable crop losses. "As the thunderstorm was not severe, fruit drop was minimal in Malihabad. The light showers will help the fruit not only gain in size but also ripen at least a week early," stated Upendra Singh of the Awadh Aam Utpadak Bagwani Samiti.
He further mentioned that Unnao, Sitapur, Hardoi, and Barabanki had crop losses. Mango orchardist Naseeb Khan noted, "At this stage, when mangoes are developing in shape and size, farmers provide frequent irrigation to help fruits ripen and attain the optimum size. Light showers on Thursday would do that naturally for mangoes in Malihabad."
This weather pattern mirrors an event from April, where early rains positively influenced mango growth in Malihabad. During the initial part of April, when the fruits were newly set, similar rain had bolstered fruit development. Singh commented, "After the fruit gets set and starts assuming shape, it needs water to grow in size. The rain in April was at the opportune time for the fruits."
Malihabad is known for producing Dussehri, Langda, Lucknauva Safeda, and Chausa varieties, with Dussehri being the earliest to ripen. Alternating years see good yields, but a rise in temperature in late February and March reduced flower bloom, according to Khan. He emphasized that weather conditions during flowering impact panicles (baur), crucial for crop development starting in January. The setting phase begins by mid-March, with Dussehris ripening by late May or early June.
Source: Times of India