Cold Hits Mango Farmers

APP

Faisalabad: Cold weather poses a significant threat to vegetable crops, orchards, and particularly mango plants in Pakistan.

The cold conditions during winter can severely impact these plants, warranting immediate action from gardeners and farmers to safeguard their orchards.

A spokesperson from the Agriculture (Extension) Department emphasized the vulnerability of mango plants, especially on frosty days. To mitigate the risks, farmers must remain vigilant, ensuring repeated watering of mango orchards during winter. Drought exacerbates the situation for mango plants, making regular watering essential to prevent damage.

The spokesperson highlighted the dangers posed by drought, stating that temperatures below 4 degrees Celsius could be detrimental to mango plants, potentially destroying nurseries. However, larger plants exhibit higher immunity but are not entirely immune. Hence, implementing appropriate strategies remains crucial to minimize potential harm.

Post-plantation, farmers should prioritize protecting their orchards from severe weather conditions, adhering to guidelines outlined by agricultural experts.

Mango, often hailed as the ‘King of Fruits,’ thrives in numerous varieties across Pakistan, boasting exportable varieties of unmatched quality, taste, and delicacy worldwide.

With Punjab contributing over 60 percent of national mango production, preserving mango plants from cold weather assumes paramount importance. The successful export of these fruits aids in securing valuable foreign exchange for the country.

During freezing nights, rapid heat emission from the plants leads to a rapid cooling effect, causing water within plant cells to freeze and disrupting chemical balance or effectiveness. The adverse impacts of cold weather predominantly affect the tender and delicate parts of the plant. Frost leads to burnt mango leaves, bursting bark on stems, and desiccation of small plants.

It’s imperative for gardeners to take immediate precautionary measures to shield mango orchards from winter’s harmful effects. Seeking guidance from agronomists or field staff of the agriculture department is strongly advised.

Pakistan’s Mango Woes

The mango industry in Pakistan faces considerable challenges due to extreme weather events, impacting its productivity, quality, and long-term viability. The risks to this sector are diverse and encompass various critical elements.

The success of Pakistan’s mango industry relies heavily on consistent weather patterns for successful cultivation. Fluctuations in climate, like unexpected rains, extended dry spells, or sudden temperature changes, disrupt the mango trees’ growth cycle. This unpredictability affects the flowering, fruit setting, and ultimately, the yield.

Escalating temperatures and prolonged heatwaves result in water scarcity and drought conditions. Mango trees necessitate ample water for robust growth and optimal fruit development. Droughts not only decrease fruit yield but also influence the quality and size of the harvested mangoes.

Unexpected cold snaps or frosts during critical stages like flowering or fruiting can devastate mango orchards. Mango trees are highly sensitive to frost, causing damage to blossoms, young fruits, and sometimes the trees themselves. This significantly diminishes the overall season’s yield.

Extreme weather events weaken the inherent defense mechanisms of mango trees, heightening their vulnerability to pests and diseases. Erratic weather patterns, with increased humidity, foster the growth of harmful fungi and bacteria that negatively impact trees and fruits.

Pakistan stands as a significant exporter of mangoes, and any disruptions in production due to extreme weather can affect the export market. Reduced yields or lower-quality fruits due to weather-related issues can lead to financial setbacks for growers and impact the country’s export revenue.

Investment in research to develop mango varieties resilient to climate shifts and pioneer farming methods capable of enduring extreme weather.

Adoption of efficient irrigation systems, water conservation techniques, and farming practices resistant to drought to alleviate the effects of water scarcity.

Empowerment of farmers with knowledge, tools, and resources to adapt to evolving climatic conditions through training initiatives and agricultural extension services.

Implementation of policies encouraging climate-smart agriculture, offering weather-related loss insurance, and supporting farmers in embracing sustainable practices.