Dieback disease hits neem, Ugadi spirit in erstwhile Medak

Dieback disease affecting neem trees in the Medak region has caused a shortage of neem flowers, a key ingredient for Ugadi pachadi, impacting festive preparations and forcing vendors to source flowers from distant areas

Sangareddy: The spread of dieback disease in neem (Azadirachta indica) trees across erstwhile Medak district has resulted in a shortage of neem flowers, a key ingredient for preparing Ugadi ‘pachadi’.

As the traditional ‘pachadi’ is prepared only on Ugadi by Telugu families, the shortage has dampened the festive spirit across Medak region. Leaves and branches of neem trees have been withering since February, the period when the trees usually begin to flower.

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The disease, caused by a fungus called phomopsis azadirachta, leads to twig and leaf drop, as well as canopy loss in neem trees. Ugadi ‘pachadi’, which blends six distinct tastes, sweet, bitter, sour, spicy, salty and tangy, includes neem flowers along with raw mango, jaggery, tamarind, chilli and salt. The no-cook preparation is a customary part of Ugadi celebrations in Telugu households.

Speaking to ‘Telangana Today’, P Raju, a resident of Sangareddy, said most trees in the district had dried up and neem flowers were hard to find this year.

He pointed out that there was no substitute for neem flowers in preparing Ugadi ‘pachadi’. Vendors who usually sell neem flowers, mangoes and other items during Ugadi, are now travelling long distances to procure the flowers.