Malda Mango Farmers Face Significant Losses as Yield Drops by 75% Due to Adverse Weather

Malda, West Bengal, India is confronting a substantial decrease in mango production this season, with farmers reporting a staggering 75% drop in yield compared to the average. The region, known for its thriving mango cultivation, has been hit hard by a combination of untimely rain and a severe heatwave, leaving farmers facing significant financial losses.

Ujjal Saha, the president of the Malda Mango Merchants Association, stated that Malda is likely to have lost at least half of its average total production this season due to the adverse weather conditions. The temperature in Malda has soared above 40°C, further exacerbating the situation and causing damage to the mango crops.

Ramesh, a worker on a mango farm in Malda, highlighted the severity of the situation, saying, "The yield is down by at least 75% due to the lack of rain. Our expected business of Rs 5-10 lakhs will be reduced to just Rs 2 lakhs this year." Jiten Saha, another mango farmer, echoed similar concerns, noting that the mangoes have already fallen off the trees due to the insufficient rainfall.

Last year, Malda's mango yield reached an impressive 4 lakh metric tons. However, it is highly unlikely that the production will even cross the 2 lakh mark this year. The region has been plagued by a series of unfavorable weather conditions, including untimely rains, prolonged winters, and the recent heatwave, all contributing to the drastic reduction in mango yield.

The significant drop in mango production not only affects the livelihoods of farmers in Malda but also has wider implications for the mango market and consumers. With the reduced availability of the popular fruit, prices are expected to rise, making it less accessible to the general public.

As a result of the poor yield, the availability of mangoes in the markets is expected to be limited, and prices could potentially rise. Farmers, who rely heavily on mangoes as their primary cash crop, are bracing themselves for substantial financial losses this year. The Malda Mango Merchants Association and local authorities are assessing the situation to determine possible measures to support the affected farmers during this challenging time.

Key Takeaways

• Malda, India faces 75% drop in mango yield due to heatwave and untimely rain.
• Mango production likely to halve from last year's 4 lakh metric tons.
• Farmers expect revenue to drop from Rs 5-10 lakhs to just Rs 2 lakhs.
• Reduced mango supply will lead to price hikes, making it less accessible.
• Local authorities assessing measures to support affected farmers.