China: Mango harvest underway in Hainan

As their mango trees become heavy with ripe, juicy fruit, farmers in Hainan province are picking at full speed. "The period from late April to June is a flurry of activity, with baskets overflowing with ripe mangoes," said Chen Tianxi, head of Nongfa Mango Orchard in Changjiang Li autonomous county. "Because of its climate, the trees in Changjiang develop at a leisurely pace, requiring over a month to reach their full ripeness — unlike the quick-growing mangoes in other regions. With a growth cycle of around 150 days, these mangoes are imbued with a depth of sweet and juicy flavor that reflects the careful nurturing and patience of the local farmers." The planting area of mangoes in the county is estimated to be more than 2,600 hectares, producing six main varieties of the fruit. "Our mango production is set to yield around 23,000 tons, which is valued at nearly 70 million yuan ($9.7 million)," said Lin Ribo of the agriculture and rural affairs bureau of the county. In recent ...