After consecutive off years, mango farmers were hoping to make at least a little money out of the crop before the hailstorm on Sunday shattered their dreams. Around 50% of mangoes ready for harvest were destroyed in the rain and wind, in Kolar district, the major mango growing region of the State.
“Due to the weather conditions, unusual flowering patterns, and other problems, we were only left with around 30% of the usual yield this time. Many varieties like Sendhoora, Tothapuri, and Benishan (Banganapalli) were ready for harvest across the district and then it rained. We lost almost 50% of what was left this year,” said Neelaturu Chinnappa Reddy, president, Kolar District Mango Growers’ Association.
Previously in March, two days of hailstorms had also played spoilsport and destroyed around 80-90% of the mangoes in many fields. There are around 2 lakh mango growers in Kolar district.
