Delayed flowering sparks concern among mango farmers in Jagtial
Mango farmers in Jagtial district are worried as flowering has been delayed across orchards, raising fears of poor yields this season. Officials attribute the delay to cold nights, unusual rainfall, and sharp temperature variations. Only five to 10 percent of trees have flowered so far, compared to normal levels.
Jagtial: Mango farmers in Jagtial district are anxious as flowering has been delayed across orchards, raising fears of poor yields this season. Flowering, which normally begins in November and continues till the first week of January, has not appeared on most trees so far.
Anticipating possible insect attacks, farmers had sprayed pesticides well in advance. However, the absence of flowering has added to their concerns. Horticulture officials attribute the delay to severe cold conditions during nights and sudden climatic changes.
Though dry weather is considered ideal for mango cultivation, unusual conditions have prevailed in recent years. Continued rainfall until September and October has kept soil moisture levels high, while sharp variations between day and night temperatures have adversely affected flowering. When flowering did begin in some areas, the lack of dry weather, coupled with cold spells and cyclonic conditions, caused further damage. Crops have also been affected by sooty mould from honeydew due to cold weather.
Last year, delayed flowering followed by extreme heat damaged nearly half the flowers. Officials fear a similar situation this year. According to horticulture department data, only five to 10 percent of trees have flowered so far.
Mango orchards are spread over about 37,000 acres in the district, which is a major mango hub in the erstwhile Karimnagar region. A mango market operates in Jagtial, attracting traders from Delhi and other parts of the country.
