Raindrops Reignite Aamrai’s Spirit

Finally the rains have started once again in Ratnagiri and farms of Aamrai. After a record downpour in July this year the rains came to a standstill for the first 3 weeks or so of August. The humidity levels and rose the heat became almost unbearable. Since last week the rains have started again and traditionally should continue in full force during the Ganpati festival and up to end of September or so. However from the last few seasons it has been observed that the monsoon are extending further sometimes all the way to November and Diwali. Climate change is a reality we must all face and let us see what nature has in store this year.

This year again, a rare phenomenon was observed- due to the temporary pause in the rains in the first two weeks of August, sporadic flowering had sprouted on a few trees in our farms. It is unlikely that this will hold or bear fruit since the rains over the next few months will probably destroy it, just like it did last year. However you never know and if it holds, we might have a few alphonso mangoes in December.

Other work of mulching has started in the farms and our mangolatiers team will gradually be getting back into action in Ratnagiri. Currently they are all from the local Konkan villages and the team from Nepal will probably arrive in October/November.

All in all after a bountiful 2024 season, thing are looking good, there has been ample rainfall and it has exceeded the target monsoon. Hopefully it will recede after Ganesh Chaturthi and allow an early and abundant first flowering in October-December period.