Dharwad: After several years of hardship caused by climate variability—from flowering to fruit set and harvest—mango growers are finally seeing a positive turn this season. With favourable cold weather prevailing during the flowering phase, mango trees across orchards are laden with blossoms, raising hopes of a bumper harvest.Typically, mango flowering occurs during the winter months of Dec and Jan. However, in recent years, erratic weather conditions have led to poor flowering, premature shedding of flowers, or even complete failure to bloom. This year, fortunately, conducive cold conditions have resulted in profuse flowering across most orchards. As a result, the horticulture department has projected a mango yield of around 65,000 metric tonnes in the district this season.Land of the Alphonso varietyDharwad is among the leading mango-growing districts in the state. Mango is cultivated over approximately 15,000 hectares, of which nearly 99% is the premium Alphonso (Aapoos) variety. Due to its high demand, farmers in Dharwad, Hubballi and Alnavar regions have predominantly adopted this variety. High-quality Alphonso mangoes from the region are also being exported.Hope for a good harvestEarlier, farmers faced frequent challenges such as overcast skies, lack of cold weather, untimely rains during flowering, fog during fruit set causing fruit drop, and sudden storms with strong winds damaging nearly mature fruits. Disheartened by repeated losses, many growers had begun shifting to alternative crops.“This year, the weather has been favourable for flowering, trees are full of blossoms, and there is no immediate threat of disease. We are optimistic about a good yield,” said Devendrapa Jainar of Kelgeri, a mango grower.Protecting the blossomsOfficials have cautioned farmers not to be complacent due to good flowering. To ensure better fruit set, proper protection of blossoms is essential. The horticulture department has advised farmers to avoid pesticide spraying and irrigation during the pollination period to prevent damage to flowers.Mango growers in the region have also formed farmer groups that provide timely guidance and conduct workshops, further boosting expectations for a good crop this year. Adding to the optimism, a long-standing demand of mango growers—the establishment of a mango development centre in Dharwad—is being realised. Facilities for mango processing within Dharwad itself are expected to be available from this summer, which is seen as a major positive development.“With the combination of cold weather and sunshine, conditions have been ideal for flowering. If farmers follow scientific guidance and protect the blossoms, a good harvest is assured,” said Kashinath Bhadrannavar, deputy director, department of horticulture.He added that an average yield of 4–5 tonnes per hectare is being anticipated this season.
