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Our Bureau

Vijayawada April 8 A summer sans mangoes is joyless, to say the least, but people in Krishna district and other parts of Andhra Pradesh may have to settle for it, as horticulture experts are predicting the lowest-ever yields of the fruit during the current season.

Mangoes started arriving in a trickle at the local Nunna market yard in the first week of April and as the season progresses there may be a slight improvement, but not much.

According to Mr R. Vidya Bhushan, Deputy Director (Horticulture), Agri Export Zone, "flowering was delayed due to the heavy rains caused by the cyclone, Ogni. Excessive moisture results in vegetative growth and delays flowering. Temperature, especially during nights, is also crucial and the climate has not been favourable this season."

Pests such as fruit borer, mango hopper, thrips and blossom blight have taken a toll on the crop, with heavy fog in March contributing to their spread.

"The net result is that there may be a drastic slump in production this season. There was an yield of 2.75 lakh tonnes to 3 lakh tonnes last season, but it may now dip to 2 lakh tonnes," he said.

According to a report prepared by the Horticulture Department, there may be production of 1.25 lakh tonnes of Banganapalli (known in the North as Benishan) variety, 65,000 tonnes of Totapuri and 10,000 tonnes or so of the lesser-known varieties. It is a bleak scenario on the whole for mango farmers as well the trade this season.

Nuzvidu in Krishna district is the main centre for production and supply of the much sought-after Banganapalli variety. The other varieties are sold within the State and all of them will be in short supply.

More Stories on : Horticulture/Fruits & Vegetables | Climate & Weather | Andhra Pradesh

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