Belagavi's Mango Orchards Ravaged by Unseasonal Hailstorms
Extensive damage has been inflicted upon the mango crop cultivated over approximately 3,200 hectares in Belagavi district due to recent hailstorms, sparking serious concerns among local farmers about substantial financial losses this season. The unseasonal weather events have not only battered the fruit but also jeopardized the entire harvest, compounding the distress of growers already grappling with repeated natural calamities.
Widespread Crop Damage Across Key Taluks
According to officials from the horticulture department, mango cultivation in Belagavi district spans several taluks, with Khanapur leading at 1,500 hectares, followed by Kittur at 975 hectares, Belagavi at 414 hectares, Bailhongal at 85 hectares, Savadatti at 80 hectares, Hukkeri at 65 hectares, and Athani at 60 hectares. The hailstorms have particularly impacted tender mangoes in areas including Kittur, Khanapur, Belagavi, Bailhongal, Hukkeri, and Itagi, with saffron and alphonso varieties suffering severe consequences.
Impact on Fruit Quality and Market Viability
Growers are apprehensive about a potential decline in market prices as rain and hail have deformed mangoes still on the trees, compromising their shape and overall quality. Farmers report that such damaged fruits often fail to meet market standards and do not command profitable prices, exacerbating their economic strain. The mango trees, which had produced an abundance of flowers this season, lost many due to the untimely hailstorm, while rain further damaged tender mangoes and stunted their growth.
Increased Humidity Raises Disease Concerns
The sudden weather shift has led to heightened humidity levels, raising alarms among farmers about possible insect infestations and disease outbreaks in mango trees. If the current rainy conditions persist, the quality of the remaining mangoes could deteriorate due to disease, further threatening the harvest. This crop damage is likely to result in a significant shortage in mango supply this season, affecting both local and regional markets.
Potential Market Price Surge and Relief Efforts
Market analysts predict that wholesale and retail mango prices could escalate by 20% to 40% during the upcoming season. Only an increased supply from neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra might help moderate this price hike to some extent. In response, Mahantesh Murgod, deputy director of the horticulture department, confirmed that various horticultural crops, including mangoes and grapes, have been adversely affected by the unseasonal rains. The department has been directed to conduct a comprehensive survey, and all possible measures are being implemented to provide relief to the affected growers.
