Hailstorms pose threat to mango crop

Belagavi: The mango crop cultivated over about 3,200 hectares in Belagavi district has suffered extensive damage due to recent hailstorms, raising concerns among farmers about heavy losses this season. Growers fear a drop in market prices as rain and hail have damaged mangoes on the trees, affecting their shape and overall quality. Farmers said such damaged fruits fail to meet market standards and do not fetch remunerative prices, adding to their distress amid repeated natural calamities.According to the officials of the horticulture department, mangoes were grown in an area of more than 3,200 hectares in Belagavi district. The area of Khanapur taluk - 1,500 hectares, Kittur taluk - 975 hectares, Belagavi taluk - 414 hectares, Bailhongal taluk - 85 hectares, Savadatti taluk - 80 hectares, Hukkeri taluk - 65 hectares, Athani taluk - 60 hectares was under mango cultivation.The mango trees, which produced a large number of flowers this time, lost their flowers due to an untimely hailstorm. The rain also damaged the tender mangoes and prevented them from growing. The sudden change in the weather due to the rains led to an increase in humidity, which raised concerns among farmers about the potential for insect and disease infestations in mango trees.Damage to tender mangoes has been seen in Kittur, Khanapur, Belagavi, Bailhongal, Hukkeri and Itagi areas. The rain has had a severe impact on the saffron and alphonso varieties in Belagavi district.The farmers said that if the current rain continues, the quality of the remaining mangoes will suffer from disease. Due to crop damage, there is a possibility of a huge shortage in mango supply this time.According to market experts, wholesale and retail prices could increase by 20% to 40% during the mango season. Only if supply from Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra increases can the price hike be curbed to some extent.Mahantesh Murgod, deputy director of the horticulture department, said that many horticultural crops, including mangoes and grapes, have been damaged by unseasonal rains in the district. The department has been instructed to undertake a survey, and all efforts are being made to provide relief to the growers.