After a year of extreme weather and insect infestation, Indian farmers are facing devastating losses of precious crops.
What happened?
The Allahabadi guava crop in Prayagraj was decimated by a severe monsoon season, fruit fly infestation and the spread of fungal diseases, resulting in the destruction of 13,000 quintals (2.9 million pounds) of produce, the Hindustan Times reported.
Guava plays a vital role in the region’s economy, with the crop grown on more than 1,300 hectares (3,212 acres). Typically, guava orchards produce 100 quintals (22,046 pounds) per hectare, but officials estimate that 10-15% of each hectare’s yield is damaged by rain, pests and fungi.
“While the trees are bearing fruit, more than half of them are infested with bugs and fall prematurely, leaving no buyers,” Munna Patel, president of the Sukka Guava Growers Association, told the media.
Excess rainfall and moisture during the monsoon season creates ideal conditions for fruit flies to thrive, The Times quoted an expert as saying.
Why is the guava crop important?
Farmers have good and bad seasons, but the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events caused by man-made pollution is causing more bad seasons. According to the Farm Bureau, farmers will suffer $20.3 billion in losses from weather disasters in 2024.
A bad season can cause devastating financial losses to farmers, especially small-scale farmers, while also driving up prices for consumers. Allahbadi guava is prized for its flavor and is usually harvested only during the winter.
What measures are being taken on the guava crop?
Extreme weather affecting farmers is a global issue, from farmers in Australia facing lost rainfall to drought issues in the United States.
Some methods farmers can take to prevent damage from rain, hail, heat and other issues include raising crop beds, implementing drip irrigation, crop diversification and protecting soil health.
In the long term, it is important that governments, businesses and ordinary people work together to limit the impact of pollution and focus on solutions that support a sustainable future.
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