Strawberry Farmers In Satara Brace For Economic Crisis As Heatwave Severely Affects Crop Production

Throughout February, temperatures in Satara district have hovered around 35-36 degrees Celsius, negatively affecting daily activities, including agriculture. These rising temperatures are particularly impacting strawberry production.

Satara district's Mahabaleshwar, Wai and Jawali talukas are home to many strawberry farmers, and the extreme heat is harming their crops, leading to a crisis. As a result, strawberry producers are increasingly concerned.

The summer heat has intensified in the district, with heatwaves starting as early as 10am, severely affecting crops in their final growth stage.

Currently, strawberries are ripening prematurely due to the intense heat. They are becoming bruised, ripening at a smaller size and losing weight, which is also affecting their taste. Consequently, farmers are missing out on the expected yield benefits from the final stage of production. Moreover, the flowers that usually precede the fruit are withering and failing to turn into strawberries, leading to financial losses for farmers.

Mahabaleshwar and Wai strawberries are particularly well-known, and many farmers are currently cultivating them. "We have planted white strawberries in Wai taluka. Since the fruiting period is usually six months, we typically get good production from this strawberry farming. However, as the temperature has started rising, it is affecting the fruits," said Umesh Khamkar, a strawberry farmer. He added that the increase in temperature is causing flowers to fall prematurely, and farmers have covered the strawberries with nets to protect them from the sun.