Unseasonal weather triggers fears of extensive crop damage in Gujarat’s Chhotaudepur

Farmers in Gujarat’s Chhotaudepur district are on edge as prolonged cloudy conditions and fluctuating temperatures raise fears of heavy damage to mango and other standing crops. 

For the past four days, seven talukas in the district have experienced overcast skies, with warm daytime temperatures followed by cold nights, creating what farmers describe as a “double season” effect.

The unusual weather pattern, coupled with shifting winds, is affecting mango orchards at a critical stage of flowering. Farmers fear that if unseasonal rain occurs, the mango blossoms could be scorched or fall prematurely, severely impacting yields. The situation has created widespread anxiety among farmers, particularly those dependent on mango cultivation for their income.

Agricultural experts have also warned that persistent cloud cover is conducive to the spread of moth larvae, which can pose a serious threat to mango trees. 

Farmers claim that if the infestation spreads to maize fields, it could also lead to increased caterpillar attacks on ripening crops such as gram, chickpeas and peas, further compounding potential losses.

While several parts of Chhotaudepur rely primarily on monsoon-based farming, many areas practise year-round cultivation, growing a range of seasonal crops. The current unseasonal conditions have therefore raised concerns across the agricultural sector in the district.

Farmers have cautioned that any unexpected rainfall could cause rotting of ripening crops, including gram, maize, peas and mangoes, leading to substantial financial losses. Traders operating brick kilns in the region have also expressed concern, as rain could damage raw materials used in brick-making.