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Experts in horticulture and farmers agree that climate change is the main reason for the drastic drop this season in mango production.
The state’s mango farmers are facing another tough year due to a drop in yields of nearly 50%. As opposed to the 1.5 million tonnes that mangoes yield in a normal season, this year’s mango production is expected to be between 0.7-0.8million tonnes. Additionally, the peak season is expected to occur in May or June, which is a bit later than usual. Karnataka is seeing a decrease in yield for the third year in a row. In 2021, the yield was reduced by 60-70%.
Experts in horticulture claim that the prolonged rainfall of last year caused soil moisture to increase and delayed flowering. “Usually, flowering takes place in November-December, but it did not happen in most places, and it took place in January and February. The moisture in the water has been one of the reasons for this,” said SV Hittalmani, who retired as additional director (fruits) in the state horticulture department.
Expert pointed out that December rains are not common in Karnataka and that dry soil is necessary for good flowering. However, many parts of south Karnataka have seen an increase in the rainfall in December over the past two years.
From 2000 to 2018 or 2019, Karnataka has experienced drought for 15 years. However, things have changed and some areas of the state have even experienced flooding. Professor MB Rajegowda (agrometeorologist, former Registrar, University of Agriculture Sciences, UAS), explained that Karnataka’s normal rainfall ranges from 850-870mm during the South-West Monsoon. The state has experienced normal or above-normal rainfall for the past few years.
Hittalmani stated that the main reason behind the decline in mango yields in the state this year is the inconsistency in mango flowering patterns due to the high moisture content of the soil.
Mango orchards in Karnataka are located on 180,000 hectares of land in Kolar and Ramanagara in Kolar, Ramanagara and Chikkaballapura.
K Srinivas Gowda, president of the Chikkaballapura Mango Growers’ Association, said that the results of climate change are not limited to the unusual rains. According to him, the last two years have seen unusual rains while the three preceding years saw drought-like conditions. “There was hardly any rain. In a way, this weather pattern is favorable for mango cultivation. The temperature at night should be very low and the temperature during the day should be high. While the dry conditions helped during those years, it is having its effects now,” said Gowda.
He explained that vegetative growth was the result of excessive rainfall last year. “It is simple. It is simple. It is used to help the tree grow, not create fruits. This is also another effect of climate change,” he said.
Officials of State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation Limited(KSMDMCL), pointed out that mango trees had suffered a drop in hermaphrodite flower production, which is essential for good yields. KSMDMCL organised a buyer-seller event in Bengaluru to promote the sale mangos that were left in slums during the pandemic. Officials stated that top traders from North India visited mango plantations in Bengaluru and Kolar as well as Chikkaballapur.
