Western India’s mango harvest threatened by heat and storms

Mango growers in Gujarat, a western state of India, are facing serious weather-related threats during peak harvest season. A severe heatwave is sweeping the region just as the India Meteorological Department forecasts unseasonal rainfall from May 3 to 6, putting key mango-producing areas like Valsad, Navsari, Surat, Amreli, Gir Somnath, and Junagadh at risk.

Temperatures have already soared to 44°C in Ahmedabad and Rajkot. According to local media, farmers worry that upcoming thunderstorms, strong winds, and rain will cause mangoes to fall prematurely and rot. With no protection against such conditions, they fear major crop losses.

Rainfall is expected to start in northern districts like Banaskantha and Sabarkantha before spreading south. The heatwave also poses additional risks of sunburn to fruit before the rain arrives.

Experts advise early harvesting and protective netting where possible. Export shipments from Gujarat are scheduled for mid-May, and any damage now could hurt both domestic and international supply chains, particularly in the Gulf and European markets.

source: theblunttimes.in

photo: thesciencesurvey.com