Shahin Bepari Lambe
Panaji
Farmers across the region are bracing for a difficult season as cashew cultivation is expected to drop by 30%, with the harvest delayed by about a month due to unusual weather conditions, an official at the Directorate of Agriculture said.
Initially, farmers were hopeful of a good yield, but the changing climate patterns have severely impacted cashew crops.
Dewy weather this season led to a surge in pests and diseases, damaging the flowers of cashew trees. As temperatures rose again, male flowers outnumbered female flowers, further delaying the crop’s development, the source added.
“The dew has created moisture on the plants, encouraging the growth of pathogens and pests like thrips. Despite these challenges, the department still expects around 70% of the crop,” the source said.
A farmer said, “By this time, we would have already been preparing for the extraction of urrak, but due to the delayed development of cashew apples, we are unable to begin our usual preparations. The delay is especially noticeable in areas like Sanguem and other parts of the Western Ghats.”
Another farmer from Quepem said, “Although the season initially seemed promising, the cold conditions and dew have damaged the trees, affecting many leaves. The cause behind this damage remains unclear.”
He added that this issue, combined with the overall decline in crop yields over the past three to four years, has placed a heavy financial strain on farmers, as cashews have long been a key source of income in these areas.
