Mango farmers in South Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Sindh, in India, are grappling with severe crop losses due to unseasonal weather and climate change. In Gujarat, thunderstorms with high-speed winds caused widespread fruit drop just before harvest, leading to an estimated 30-35% crop loss in Alphonso and Kesar varieties. In Sindh, Pakistan, extreme weather events, including heavy storms, erratic temperatures, and prolonged drought, have further reduced mango yields by up to 50%. The crisis is affecting key mango-growing regions, including Hyderabad, Tando Allahyar, Mirpurkhas, and Nawabshah.
In Gujarat, government horticulture teams began damage assessments in Valsad, Navsari, Surat, and Bharuch. "We are seeing significant losses, with many mangoes falling before harvest," said Dinesh Paladiya, Joint Director of the Horticulture Department (Surat range). Some farmers in Saurashtra started early harvesting to prevent further losses. Meanwhile, in Sindh, the sudden drop in nighttime temperatures caused mango blossoms to wither prematurely, and heatwaves further stunted fruit growth, leading to undersized mangoes. The situation has forced some contractors to abandon their agreements, incurring financial losses.
Amid this crisis, a rare and premium variety of mango, the Kohitur, continues to capture attention in India's Murshidabad. Known for its rich history and delicate flavor, the Kohitur is considered the crown jewel of Indian mangoes. Cultivated in the Nawab's historic garden in Zafarganj, Lalbagh, only a few trees remain, producing a limited harvest. This year, just three trees bore fruit, yielding a mere 150 mangoes. The Kohitur mangoes, known for their golden hue and aromatic sweetness, are being sold in Kolkata, with prices ranging from $5.82 to $30.66 per kilogram.
The impact of adverse weather on mango crops has broader economic implications. In Gujarat, fallen fruit is being sold to pulp factories at reduced prices, while in Sindh, farmers, contractors, and traders brace for financial losses due to reduced yields and delayed ripening. Export volumes from both regions are expected to decline, affecting the global mango trade.
Experts warn that climate change, combined with persistent water shortages, is a growing threat to mango cultivation in South Asia. As farmers face increasing uncertainty, traditional varieties like the Kohitur stand out as symbols of resilience and heritage, even as broader production faces mounting challenges.
Source 1: The Indian Express
Source 2: Express Tribune
Source 3: CNBC TV18