BETTER LATE THAN NEVER is the story of 2020 so far.

It’s been a difficult year for the King so far. After battling the extended monsoons in November, the shortened and delayed winters in January and February, the summer is finally arriving in the Konkan and temperatures are rising. The result of all these dramatic climate changes has been reduced flowering in November/December and increased vegetative growth in February/March instead of the desired flowering and fruit formation.

The nutrients inside the mango tree are used for both the leaves and flowering growth depending on the weather and subsequent physiological changes inside the tree. The colder winter nights and days are needed for the flowering and fruit setting which typically happens in December-February. However this year that period was reduced significantly and the temperatures never really dipped for a long period. Due to this the nutrients were diverted for fresh vegetative growth. Though this is desirable for the health of our organic trees and the environment in the long run, what this would mean is a reduced yield for the coming season.

Finally from the last week, temperatures have been rising at our farms in Ratnagiri and if this sustains, we can hope for our first harvest in the next week or so. The good news is the fruit quality, sizing and development is excellent though the quantum might take a hit.

At the end of the day, we are all subject to the vagaries of nature  and have to submit to the same. Perhaps this is nature’s way of delaying the mango crop until the Corona issue settles down…………….and we can all enjoy the mangoes in peace…………………..

Fingers crossed for speedy arrival of the King and departure of Corona.