The sweltering summer in Chennai, marked by temperatures surging between 35°C and 45°C, has cast a long shadow over the region's mango production. This intense heatwave, unprecedented in recent years, has inflicted considerable stress on mango trees. Farmers report disrupted flowering cycles, a marked reduction in fruit size, and an overall dent in yields. The precarious season presents a constant gamble against sudden heat spikes, a significant challenge for growers.
Reports indicate a harsh summer impacting mango yields in Chennai.
Organic Orchards Brace for the Heat
Despite the challenging climate, several vendors in Chennai are championing 'organic' mango varieties, emphasizing natural cultivation methods.
Places to Find Organic Mangoes:
Ponfarm Organic: This farm, a decade-long practitioner of organic methods like using 'panchgavya' for pest control, anticipates a more stable season this year after two difficult ones. They focus on natural ripening processes.
Organic Farmers Market (OFM): Located in Adyar, OFM offers a rotating selection of mangoes from various farms, with different varieties appearing throughout the weeks.
The Organic Shandy: In Mylapore, co-founder PB Murali highlights a strong presence of native mango varieties this year. They source organic produce from Cholayil farms in Vengal village.
reStore Organic Store: Situated in Kottivakkam, this store procures mangoes from across Tamil Nadu, presenting a wide assortment of varieties.
Safe Foods: This outlet stocks popular varieties such as Banganapalli, Senthuram, Imam Pasand, Malgoa, Alphonso, Javari, and Mallika.
Native Varieties Take Center Stage
This year, there's a noticeable push towards indigenous mango types. Varieties like 'Yaanathalai', 'Kalapadi', and 'Nadusalai' are gaining prominence.
Farmers' Struggle Amidst Climate Volatility
The persistent heatwaves across India have directly impacted key mango-growing regions. Farmers have spoken of delayed harvests, irregular flowering patterns, and smaller fruit sizes. This climate-induced volatility creates an unpredictable farming landscape.
Read More: Mohali-Chandigarh Border Tense: Farmers Use Tear Gas
Hanu Reddy Mangoes: A Consistent Yield
Hanu Reddy Mangoes, with orchards in Andhra Pradesh, claims consistent, large yields. They grow their mangoes organically, emphasizing natural ripening on the tree to enhance flavor and sweetness. Their Banganapalli mangoes are sourced from Kadiam, Andhra Pradesh.
Beyond the Orchard: Mango Tourism
Hanu Reddy Raghava Farm offers 'Hanu Reddy Mango Tourism', a venture that has proven popular. While Banganapalli is a key offering, they also produce 'Rasalu' mangoes.
