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.
