Hope ‘blooms’ for bumper mango crop in Krishnagiri

Coimbatore

The rise in hopes is due to the good bloom of flowers in vast acres of orchards, said the delighted farmers.  “Large scale growth of mango flowers is an indication for a good yield that is the production may be more than double compared to last year,” said KM Rama Gounder, state general secretary, Tamizhaga Vivasayigal Sangam. He, however, hoped for a mild mid-summer shower to prevent shedding of flowers for an increased yield. Farmers say persistent drought over the last two years had led to nearly 30 per cent of trees getting dried up. 

Due to the inadequate rains mango production dipped in the last two seasons. While there was a yield of 4 lakh tonnes last year, 2016 saw a significant dip with the production falling to around 3.5 lakh tonnes.  

“The highest ever yield we had was around 8 lakh tonnes four years ago. We hope for a similar harvest this time. Mango is a crop which has alternate bearing cycle,” pointed out Rama Gounder, adding that almost 20 per cent of trees do not bloom for unknown reasons. 

“However, the pulpy mangoes might hit the market only from May, a delay of almost 45 days due to the extended frost and chill weather,” said a grower. 

FRUITFUL EFFORT 

• 15 lakh farmers grow mango in Krishnagiri district 
• 3 lakh acres total area of orchards in the region
• 2 varieties that are popular are ‘alphonso’ and ‘malgova’ 
• 16 countries import the fruit produced in Krishnagiri 
• Juicy content and sweetness are special features of the fruit in the region

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