Mango, Cashew Plantations Suffer Due to Untimely Rain in Maharashtra

The talukas of Vikramgad, Jawhar, and Mokhada talukas in Maharashtra have witnessed two unseasonal showers. The neighboring Talasari taluka has also witnessed light rain. While the sky is overcast, there are chances of yet another spell. 

The region, known for Mango and Cashew plantations has had the flower (mohar) of the fruits destroyed. The unseasonal rain has been caused by the western disturbances. Bringing concern to the agriculture sector, there are further chances of a drizzle on March 6^th according to the metrological department.

While the talukas of Palhar district witnessed seasonal showers at Midnight on March 4^th, the department warns that there will be rains for the next three days. The Kosbad Krushi Kendra has an automatic weather station installed which does not have any rain recorded in the area.

Since the rain hit at the time of the crucial flowering and fruit-bearing phases, the mango and cashew crops have suffered greatly. The rains have washed away the flowers; which means that production will take a hit.

The talukas of Jawhar, Mokhada, and Vikramgad have a favorable climate which allows for the optimal growth of mangoes and cashews.

The rabi crop plantations have also witnessed damage, which includes crops like Udit, Toor, Watermelon, Tomato, Cucumber, Chilly, Brinjal and other leafy vegetables. The out-of-season rains are also likely to cause viral and other types of outbreaks among the crops.

And crops are not the only aspects suffering. The brick manufacturing industries of the Talukas have also been suffering because of the untimely showers.

The president of the Palaghar Zilla Parishad, Prakash Nilam has appealed to the district collector to carry out surveys of damage through revenue officials. This will help the regions estimate the losses over the next couple of days and also help in identifying farmers who need to be compensated.