Compared to last year, the mango crop may have seen a nearly 80% drop in production this season. Principal scientist at the ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, AR Desai said that change in weather patterns, the extended rain last year and the lack of availability of good quality grafts for the propagation of the crop has led to poor production of the king of fruits. "At our farm there was an almost 80% decrease in crop. There is only 20% crop production reported this time. It was a totally abnormal season and there was very scattered and late flowering-fruiting process in only a few trees," Desai said. People's favourite - the Mancurad and Hilario varieties-arrived very late and were not of a very good quality according to the expert. Other mango varieties like Salcette Mussahrat and Bardez Mussahrat were not seen much in the markets this season. Even the late variety, Amarapali had staggered flowering and immature fruit-drops due to heavy rain. For the flowers to bloom the mango trees require sufficient heat and a dry period post-monsoon is a must. Only when there is enough heat in October and November, flwering of the fruit takes place in December. This time due to extended rains the flowering was badly affected, with some crops even experiencing late blooming. However this time around the delayed mnango crop was also hit due to cyclone Tauktae. "The delayed mango crop which was supposed to be harvested in May faced premature falling due to cyclonic winds. Mango trees were even uprooted in some places. The decrease in production this time was not only due to erratic weather but also due to crop loss because of cyclone Tauktae," director of agriculture, Nevil Alphonso told TOI. The mango production data compiled by the directorate of agriculture is expected to arrive by June-end. According to the experts if the erratic weather continues this year as well, the upcoming mango crop could be affected as well leading to yet another poor productive season. "Late monsoon would translate into a delayed mango season. If the erratic weather continues then it will definitely it will have repercussions," Desai said. Source - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com