Unseasonal rains in Saurashtra likely to hit Kesar mango crop

The much anticipated Kesar mango is under a threat of a possible damage due to unexpected rains on Monday this week. Kesar mango crop in Saurashtra-Kutch region, a heartland for the fruit, has taken a hit following unseasonal rains, which coupled with foggy weather in past few days may also damage the quality of the mango this year, industry experts informed.

The current period is considered as an important period for flowering on the Mango trees. “There are fears of a possible ‘powdery mildew’ disease in mango plants due to the present weather conditions. Unseasonal rain will crumble the flowers of mango," said AV Barad, dean and principal of agriculture college, Junagadh Agriculture University (JAU).

He further added, “This is a very important period for the Kesar mango as it is a flowering time for the plant. The unseasonal rains will change the crop estimations."

Last year, in Kutch, the production stood at about 1 lakh tonnes. The production fluctuates every year due to seasonal changes.

“This year we have seen very good flowering in mango, but this untimely rain has damaged it. Moreover, unnecessary fog is also hurting the crop of Kesar mango. This time foggy weather is more than required for a normal Kesar crop," said Batuksinh Jadeja of Ashapura Farms and Nursery from Kutch.

Unseasonal rain was seen at Talala and Sasan gir area of Junagadh district, which is the largest Kesar mango growing region in Saurashtra.

Harsukhbhai Jarsaniya , secretary, Talala APMC said, “It is sure that unseasonal rains have damaged the mango crop this year but it is premature to estimate the extent of damage. The mango season will get delayed by about a month or more. Generally Kesar mango arrival starts in the first week of April but this year it is expected to come after mid-May.” About 15 lakh boxes (each weighing 10 kg) of Kesar mango arrived in Talala APMC last year.