Mango Lovers Might Not Get Kutch Kesar At A Reasonable Rate This Year, As Harvesting Got Affected Due To Bad Weather

Bhuj: Changing weather patterns are taking a toll on Kutch’s famous kesar mangoes, with farmers reporting a significant drop in production for the third consecutive year. The unpredictable climate, marked by fluctuating temperatures, excessive dew, and unseasonal rainfall, has led to a decline in mango yields, forcing some farmers to shift to cash crops.

Mango Production Declines Amid Climate Challenges

Gadhshisha, a key hub for kesar mango cultivation, saw promising blooms last month, raising hopes for a good harvest. However, sudden weather changes have caused widespread damage. Farmers observed more “peacocks” (buds) than leaves on the trees, but extreme conditions led to flower loss, reducing the expected yield by nearly 40%.

Batuksinh Jadeja, a farmer from Mandvi taluka, attributed the decline to an imbalance of humidity, cold, and heat. He noted that while kesar mangoes typically flower in October-November and again in January-February, this year’s inconsistent temperatures have disrupted the cycle, leading to poor flowering and lower yields.

Weather Dictates Mango Prices

The previous year saw an 80-90% drop in mango production due to Cyclone Biparjoy and unseasonal rains. This year, weather conditions remain unpredictable, affecting both the quality and price of the remaining mangoes. Farmers are hoping for stable weather to salvage their harvest.

Severe Crop Damage Reported

Veteran farmer leader Harji Vora lamented that despite initial hopes for a better season, temperature fluctuations have significantly damaged the Kesar mango crop. Other crops such as pomegranates and dates have also suffered losses.

Nanji Patel, another farmer, reported that abnormal weather conditions since November have harmed wheat, mango, castor, vegetables, and fodder crops. He noted that mango trees bear fruit only once a year, making the losses particularly devastating. Areas such as Devpar, Danana, Mau, Ratnapar, Vadwa, and Dujapar have all been affected.

Skyrocketing Mango Prices and Economic Struggles

With raw mango prices soaring to ₹50-₹60 per piece, consumers are feeling the impact. Many households have started making pickles to preserve the fruit. The price surge has also affected other premium mango varieties like pomegranate, lotus, and Kutchi mawa, making them unaffordable for the middle class.

Farmers fear that without government compensation, agriculture and animal husbandry in Kutch will suffer severe setbacks.

Unique Characteristics of Kutch’s Kesar Mango

Kutch’s man kesar goes are globally renowned, arriving in markets from late May to mid-June, after the Gir-Talala and Valsad mango seasons. The region’s low humidity enhances the mango’s natural sugar-acid balance, making it sweeter and juicier than other varieties.

How Kutch’s Mangoes Differ from Gir’s?

While Gir kesar mangoes have a greenish exterior, Kutch’s variety is often tinged with a reddish or yellowish hue. Most farmers in Kutch use organic fertilizers, avoiding chemicals, which adds to the distinct taste and quality of their mangoes.

As climate change continues to impact agriculture, Kutch’s mango farmers face uncertain futures, hoping for better weather and support to sustain their livelihoods.