Scorching Heat Disrupts Mahabaleshwar Strawberries, Farmers Face Huge Losses

Rising temperatures across Maharashtra, including Satara district, which have been around 35-36°C since February, are taking a toll on agriculture, with strawberry and mango crops bearing the brunt. As March ends, farmers in Mahabaleshwar, Wai, and Jawali talukas, known for their strawberry production, are facing significant challenges due to the scorching heat.

The heightened temperatures in the district, along with the Mahabaleshwar hill station area, are now disrupting the strawberry season, particularly affecting the second and third stages of fruiting.

At present, due to high temperatures, strawberries are ripening prematurely, resulting in smaller fruits with reduced weight and compromised taste.

Experts explain that strawberries thrive in a temperature range of 15°C to 20°C for healthy growth and ripening, but the current weather conditions are far from ideal.

The early ripening of the fruit, along with the intense heat, has damaged many crops, making them unfit for sale. This has resulted in financial losses for farmers who were expecting a better yield in the final stages in Mahabaleshwar and nearby areas.

Mangoes in the district are also being affected by the rising temperatures, along with strawberries. The heat is causing large mangoes to develop scars, and many fruits are falling off prematurely. The extreme heat has also caused blossoms to wither before they can turn into fruit, leading to a significant drop in production.

Umesh Khamkar, a strawberry farmer from Wai taluka, shared, “We’ve planted white strawberries here, which typically have a six-month fruiting cycle. However, the rising temperatures are impacting the crops. Flowers are falling off, and we’ve had to cover the plants with nets to shield them from the sun.”

50% reduction in production is expected

With the ongoing heat, farmers are losing out on quality produce, which in turn is affecting market prices. Much of the remaining produce must be sold for processing, leading to further financial strain. If this pattern continues, a 50% reduction in production is expected for this season. Given the high capital costs involved in strawberry farming, climate change is becoming an increasing challenge for farmers in the region.

The rise in temperatures is causing heat stress on the strawberry plants, leading to a lack of flowers, premature ripening, and poor-quality fruits with small sizes, low sugar content, and reduced aroma. In addition to affecting fruit quality, the higher temperatures are also increasing the incidence of pests and diseases, exacerbating the already difficult situation for farmers.