Rough estimates from Orange Growers’ Association of India (OGAI) have pegged the losses at 50% in comparison to last year.
Nagpur oranges are mainly harvested from October to January each year, but this winter has been particularly bad.Rainfall spells and a warm winter adversely affected fruit quality, so much so that nearly 50 lakh metric tonne produce in this belt comprising Nagpur, Amravati, Akola and other districts in Vidarbha was destroyed due to various reasons such as weather related pests and diseases and in transit rotting, Amol Totey, working president of OGAI said.
“It has also affected prices, where farmers are given a paltry Rs 10 to Rs 15 per kg produce this season as against the expected Rs 40 to Rs 50 per kg,” Totey added.
A chunk of produce started rotting in transit to cities. This is the first time in 10-15 years when the quality of Nagpur oranges was affected so much.
The rain spells this winter and warmer weather caused rotting in Nagpur oranges, Amravati grower Gopal Khalokar said.
“On my 10-acre farm, nearly 100 tonne produce was affected this season. We have not been able to cover the expenses spent on growing the produce this year as rates have fallen drastically. Nagpur oranges need colder weather but the crop faced a contrasting temperatures this winter with cloudy skies and rains causing serious damages,” he added.
Amravati orange grower Sagar Chikte said the January-February flowering phase, known as Ambia Bahar, requires a ‘stress condition’ applied to both Ambia Bahar and Mrig Bahar before blossoming.
This involves withholding water for a specific period or inducing a ‘stress’ on the plants.
“This stress condition is crucial for limiting vegetative growth and promoting a robust flower flush, ultimately leading to a better yield. Unfortunately, the unexpected rain spells disrupted the necessary stress for the crop,” he added.
Nagpur region is not only the largest producer of oranges but also exports it to the rest of the world. These oranges have a unique sweet-sour flavour and a matchless aroma. Farmers in a previous TOI report said government should set up cold storage facilities.
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