Severe Storms Threaten Mango Harvest in Madhesh Province

Janakpurdham. There are indications that mango production in Madhesh Province will be lower than expected this year. Although initial estimates suggested a doubling of production due to heavy flowering, severe storms at the beginning of Baisakh caused significant damage.

According to Ravi Basnet, an officer at the Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives, mango trees had flowered much better this year compared to the past. Farmers were optimistic, and relevant authorities had also expected a significant increase in production.

However, adverse weather conditions overturned all projections. The center stated that since the storms at the beginning of Baisakh caused most of the blossoms to fall, a major decline in production is almost certain.

In the fiscal year 2081/082, the average mango production in Madhesh Province was 12.94 percent. District-wise, production was 12.84 percent in Dhanusha, 12.92 percent in Siraha, 13.12 percent in Mahottari and Sarlahi. Similarly, the center has data showing 12.99 percent production in Rautahat, 13.44 percent in Bara, and 13.22 percent in Parsa.

Officer Basnet said, 'We had set a target for a bountiful mango harvest this year, but the storms caused massive damage. Under current conditions, we can only estimate an increase of five to 10 percent compared to last year.'

Farmers are also disappointed by the weather's impact. Since mango farming is a primary source of income for many farmers in Madhesh, the decline in production is expected to have economic consequences.

Farmers stated that despite timely application of fertilizers, irrigation, and protective measures, they could not withstand the natural disaster.

Some farmers have complained that the possibility of fruit setting is very low after most of the blossoms fell. According to Rajkumar Mahato, a farmer from Bateshwar Rural Municipality in Dhanusha, this municipality has the highest mango cultivation in the district. 'Because of the bountiful production, we have been organizing a mango festival every year,' he said, 'But this year, production is expected to be lower than anticipated. The storms have dashed all our dreams.' However, he added that farmers are still working day and night to save the crop. 'We are still trying to produce as much as we can,' he added.

The center stated that medicine management has been arranged across the province to control blight in mangoes. Although preparations were made as the risk of disease increases after flowering, the storms caused damage before the disease could even set in. According to the center, if the weather had been favorable, there was a possibility of historic growth in production this year.

According to Ramchandra Yadav, head of the Agriculture Knowledge Center in Dhanusha, weather irregularities have been increasing in recent years, and the direct impact is beginning to be seen in the agricultural sector.

In flat and agriculture-dominated areas like Madhesh Province, damage to crops due to storms, hailstorms, and extreme temperatures is on the rise. This has the potential to affect not only the farmers' production but the overall economy as well.

He suggests that a long-term strategy is needed to solve such problems. He believes that crop insurance, strengthening weather forecasting systems, and providing timely information and technology to farmers could minimize losses.

Additionally, the need to adopt modern technology and conservation methods to protect mango trees from storms has been highlighted.

Compared to previous years, it was expected that mango production would increase and market prices would be cheaper this year. However, locals say that since there are signs that production will not meet targets, mango prices in the market will remain high this year as well.

Indian mangoes have already entered the Janakpurdham market ahead of time. Health workers have urged caution, stating that such mangoes, which are forcibly ripened using chemicals, could be harmful to health.

Compared to previous years, it was expected that mango production would increase and market prices would be cheaper this year. However, locals say that since there are signs that production will not meet targets, mango prices in the market will remain high this year as well.