The extended cold spell across the north and western parts of the country has also affected coastal Maharashtra – specifically the three alphonso mango producing districts of Ratnagiri, Sindhdurgh and Raigad.
The intermittent showers and rainfall had carried over from November into the first week of December. This brought down the temperature and since then the cold spell has continued and has infact intensified in the last week or so. While flowering was visible in about 4-5% trees in November, this has increased to about 30% trees this month. The November flowering should bear fruit in the second half of March while December flowering will bear mangoes in April. This condition prevails across our orchards in Gavkadi, Pavas and Kasheli, while an earlier flowering is seen in Devgad and Ganpatipule region.
The quantum of harvest will vary depending on the duration & intensity of the winter first and then the rising summer temperatures. The cold winter is ideal for flowering and subsequent fruit setting while the warmer summers help accelerate fruit size and maturity.
Wishing all our customers, fans and mango lovers a happy and safe new year. Look forward to serving you from March 2022
By AAMRAI
Pic credit – Omkar Ranade