The Nilgiris: The delay in onset of southwest monsoon has hit the yield of Mangosteen and other seasonal fruits at Kallar.
The Nilgiris: The delay in onset of southwest monsoon has hit the yield of Mangosteen and other seasonal fruits at Kallar.
The hot summer temperatures, scanty summer showers followed by delayed in onset of monsoon has at large attributed to the decreased yield of Mangosteen fruits at the State Horticultural Farm in Kallar, Mettupalayam. The fruit which demands a moist climate and balanced rainfall is reported to be withering off the trees before getting matured.
"More than 200 fruit trees of Mangosteen, also known as Queen of fruits begin to yield between May to August. Consistent withering of flowers and unripened young fruits has decreased the yield this year. Lack of moisture in the soil has affected the growth and size of the fruits", said a farm worker at Kallar.
Many fruits and plantation crops like Lime, Pepper, Clove seedlings, Nutmeg, Silver Oak, Mangosteen, Arecanut seed, Coffee, Litchi and other ornamental plants are part of the farm which also serve as an educational centre and important tourist destination. The farm is known for its seasonal fruit varieties like Mangosteen, Durian, Litchi, Rambutan, Malayan and Green Apple, Avocado, Jack fruit, Peach, Plums, and Jamun fruit. The fruits are sold to the public through counters in the farm at very affordable prices. In this scenario, the tourists who throng the sale counters for Mangosteen fruits left disappointed due to the drop in yield of mangosteen fruits.
"Last year, the Mangosteen yield was very promising and the produce was sold for Rs. 5 lakhs. This year, the untimely weather conditions have created huge demand for the fruit which is very seasonal. The prices are expected to double and the intermediaries will be benefitted more. If the rains delay further, the yield will be affected totally", opined an officer from Kallar.
