Discover the Irresistible Delights of Mangoes 2025: Tamil Nadu Farmers Share Their Seasonal Treasures!
On a sun-drenched afternoon at his 40-acre organic farm in Andipatti, Tiruppur district, farmer K. Baskar laughs as he discovers a tiny hole gnawed by a squirrel in one of his prized Imam Pasand mangoes. “I left the box outside just a few minutes ago!” he chuckles, aware that animals and birds often take their share from his harvest. With his farm bordering the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Baskar has learned to navigate these challenges while cultivating a variety of mangoes, including Alphonso, Neelam, and Malgova, from his 800 mango trees.
As peak mango season kicks into gear, Baskar’s team is busy plucking mangoes destined for customers across Tamil Nadu. Workers employ a long pole equipped with a scissors-like tool to harvest the fruit, ensuring each mango, which has been a year in the making, is treated with care and precision. However, Baskar notes that this year’s yield is concerning; he estimates a 30% reduction compared to previous years, a loss exacerbated by recent heavy winds that damaged over 500 kilograms of fruit. “Mangoes are extremely sensitive to rains,” he explains, drawing attention to the weather’s impact on sugar content in the fruit.
India is the world’s leading mango producer, with Tamil Nadu being home to major mango-growing districts like Dindigul and Salem. Farmers have reported that the season has peaked over the last two weeks, according to the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University’s Agritech Portal. In Salem, Sathish Ramasamy, who manages a 35-acre farm, notes initial quality issues but is now pleased with their fruit’s condition. His company, Salemmango, sells fruit online, catering to customers nationwide and demonstrating the effectiveness of organic farming methods.
Innovative platforms have emerged to connect farmers directly to consumers. Shyam Sembagoundar and Siva Sankar, two software professionals from Salem now in the U.S., help local farmers find buyers through their online venture, Namkalam. They streamline the process, ensuring that produce reaches market efficiently while offering customer service that includes refunds for issues. This approach aims to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their labor.
Despite the resilience of mango trees, challenges from climate change, including unseasonal rains, are intensifying. Organic farmers, in particular, struggle with these changes but are employing techniques such as biological sprays to adapt. Dindigul-based farmer Ajay Kuruvila works with local organic producers to supply fruits to stores in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai. He details a careful post-harvest process designed to prevent blemishes on mangoes and maintain quality.
As the mango season unfolds, the varieties harvested will follow a staggered schedule, ensuring a continuous supply for consumers. Yet, unseasonal rains have caused issues such as black spots that affect market pricing. K.S. Jaganatha Raja, a farmer from Rajapalayam, shares that while others may opt for chemical ripening methods, he adheres to organic practices and has even revived rare mango varieties on his farm.
On a lighter note, Jaganatha fondly recalls the excitement of seeing his unique Mohandas tree produce over 2,500 fruits last year, only for a herd of elephants to consume nearly all of them. Despite the heartbreak, he understands their hunger and moves forward with resilience.
As the mango season continues, farmers like Baskar and Jaganatha remain hopeful, adapting to challenges while providing this beloved fruit to consumers across India.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/society/mangoes-2025-tamil-nadu-farmers-on-the-seasons-specialities/article69567283.ece
Category : Society
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Publish Date: 2025-05-14 15:28:00
