Mango crop in Yadgir hit by unseasonal rains, gusty winds, hailstorms

Mango fruits dropped from trees owing to gusty wind accompanied by hailstorm and rain, in Wadagera taluk of Yadgir district in Karnataka.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The recent unseasonal rains accompanied by gusty winds and hailstorm damaged the mango crop in Yadgir district of Karnataka, particularly in Wadagera taluk.

Mango growers expected a good yield and were about to pluck in a day or two. But gusty winds, hailstorm and rain caused mangoes to drop from the trees. 

“We spent thousands of rupees to get a good yield. The unseasonal rains and hailstorms accompanied by gusty winds destroyed our dream,” Mallikarjun Reddy Bilhar told The Hindu.

“The dropped mangoes are damaged. They won’t find buyers even at a lesser price in the market, as customers don’t wish to purchase such fallen fruits,” said Chand Pasha Kurkundi..

“The fate of farmers is like this. Whenever they produce a high quantum of grains or fruits, they either don’t get the price as expected, or risk damage to the produce owing to a natural disaster. The government should announce compensation for loss of mango crop due to unseasonal rains,” Mallanagouda Hagaratagi, a farmer leader, told The Hindu.

A joint survey by the revenue and horticulture departments has been done on the damage so far. A report has been sent to the tahsildar of Wadagera.

“The departments should conduct a proper survey to assess the loss incurred by farmers.” said Ningu Jadi, an activist.