India: Heatwave in Bihar affecting litchi, mango harvest

Published Jun 8, 2023

Tridge summary

A severe heatwave in Bihar, India, in late May and June 2023 has led to significant losses and quality issues in summer fruits, particularly litchis and mangoes. The heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 44 degrees Celsius at several stations, has forced farmers to take measures such as increased irrigation and water spraying to protect the crops. However, small farmers face challenges in hiring water tanks to save their produce. The National Research Centre on Litchi has recommended irrigation to maintain moisture as the heatwave not only affects the quality of litchis but also reduces yields. This unexpected weather condition, attributed to climate change, has disappointed farmers who were expecting a bumper harvest this year.

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Original content

An unexpectedly long spell of heatwave in Bihar in June has affected the appearance and taste of summer fruits like litchis and mangoes. Litchi- and mango-growing farmers said the quality and yield of the fruits are affected due to the rising temperatures during the harvest season. At least 10 stations in the state saw temperatures of over 44 degrees Celsius on June 8, 2023. The India Meorological Department has issued a heatwave alert for June 9-10 for nine districts in the state. Read more: Heavy rains in Bihar, starting from June, waterlogged litchi orchards, killing trees Thousands of farmers in the state have been forced to irrigate their orchards daily and spray water on trees loaded with litchi twice a day to reduce the impact of scorching sun and hot winds. But small farmers are finding it difficult to hire water tanks to save their produce. “Scorching sun and heatwave conditions are badly damaging litchi crops, which is not good for farmers as well as traders. Farmers ...

Source: Down To Earth