Delayed flowering worries Mango farmers in Jagtial
Mango farmers in Jagtial are facing heavy flower drop after delayed flowering this season. Sudden weather changes and insect attacks are blamed for the damage. Horticulture officials have advised preventive sprays as arrivals to markets may be delayed.
Jagtial: Mango farmers in the district are under stress. After a delayed start to flowering, they are now facing large-scale flower drop. Sudden climate changes and insect attacks are being blamed for the damage.
Flowering usually begins in November and continues until the first week of January. This year, it started late. Severe night-time cold and sudden weather changes are said to have caused the delay. Now, heavy flower fall has added to the farmers’ worries.
In many orchards, trees initially showed abundant flowering. But instead of developing into fruit, the flowers turned black and fell. The situation is reported from Sultanabad and Peddapalli, where many farmers have shifted to mango cultivation in recent decades due to steady profits.
Mango cultivation spans eight months, with the four months from flowering to harvest considered crucial. Dry weather supports better yields. However, weather patterns have changed in recent years. A similar trend this season is expected to affect production.
The crop usually reaches markets in April. This year, arrivals are likely to be delayed as many orchards are still in the flowering stage. Horticulture officials have advised farmers to spray 10 grams of potassium nitrate per litre of water to control insects. They have also recommended mixing 1.5 grams of boron per litre of water to support flowering and fruit growth.
Though mango orchards are spread across the erstwhile Karimnagar district, Jagtial is known for the crop. The fruit is cultivated on about 37,000 acres. A dedicated mango market operates in the district. Traders from Delhi and other northern States visit Jagtial to procure the produce.
