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India's mango industry faces climate-driven challenges
India, the world's largest mango producer, is grappling with erratic weather patterns that threaten its annual harvest of 23 million tonnes-nearly a fifth of the country's total fruit output. Farmers and scientists warn that rising unpredictability in flowering, fruiting, and harvesting cycles is squeezing profits and forcing a shift toward new cultivation methods.
Traditional farming under strain
Upendra Singh, a 62-year-old farmer in Malihabad, Uttar Pradesh, has spent five decades tending mango orchards. As a fourth-generation grower, he recalls a time when seasons followed predictable rhythms. Today, he says, "Mango farming has become unpredictable. Climate change disrupts everything-flowering, fruiting, even when we harvest."
Rising costs for pesticides, labor, and irrigation have compounded the problem. Singh notes that despite higher expenses, yields have declined, leaving farmers with shrinking incomes. India cultivates nearly 700 mango varieties, each dominant in different regions: Dasheri in the north, Alphonso in Maharashtra, and Langra or Malda in Bihar and West Bengal. Yet even these regional staples are not immune to climate pressures.
Scientists race to develop resilient varieties
Dr. Hari Shankar Singh, a researcher at the Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (ICAR), describes mangoes as "highly temperature-dependent." Last year, he explains, early flowering and strong winds damaged fruit development, while this year, prolonged cold in northern India delayed blooming entirely. "Erratic weather is now the norm," he says.
To build resilience, ICAR is breeding mango varieties that tolerate wider temperature ranges and resist pests. However, progress is slow-trees take five to ten years to flower after breeding. Compounding the challenge, mangoes are heterozygous, meaning offspring rarely inherit parental traits. "Breeding mangoes is a multi-decade commitment," Singh says.
Genetic advancements are accelerating the process. In 2016, ICAR sequenced the Alphonso mango genome, enabling researchers to pinpoint genes linked to traits like sweetness, aroma, and climate resilience. "This has cut breeding time from 10-20 years to a fraction," Singh notes.
Farmers adopt high-tech solutions
Innovation is already taking root in orchards. Singh has planted high-density "colored mango" varieties, which bear fruit annually-unlike traditional types like Dasheri, which often skip years. He also employs scientific pruning, canopy management, and growth regulators to control tree size and timing of harvests.
ICAR promotes additional techniques to boost yields. "Bagging," for example, involves wrapping young fruit in breathable covers to shield them from insects, fungi, and sun damage. Another method, "girdling," redirects a tree's energy toward flowering by making controlled cuts on branches. Older orchards can be rejuvenated by pruning trees to 14-18 feet, improving fruit size and quality.
Controlled environments gain traction
Neeti Goel, who began mango farming as a hobby in Maharashtra, now manages 1,100 trees across 27 acres. She relies on soil and leaf analysis to tailor fertilizer use, emphasizing micronutrients like boron and zinc. "Without data, farming is guesswork," she says. Goel is now constructing greenhouses to regulate temperatures, calling it essential for survival.
Saravanan Achari, founder of Berrydale Foods, exports Indian mangoes to 13 countries but faces strict pest regulations. "A single fruit fly can lead to a rejected shipment," he says. Climate change has made pests harder to predict, with fruit flies appearing after unpredictable rainfall. "Climate risk is now the biggest threat to exports," Achari warns.
To mitigate losses, Berrydale is testing greenhouses, following models from Japan and Israel. "Indian farmers must adopt protected cultivation for consistent quality and reliable exports," Achari argues.
Future hinges on adaptation
From genome sequencing to greenhouses, India's mango industry is pivoting toward science-driven solutions. Yet the transition is uneven, with small-scale farmers often lacking resources. As climate pressures mount, the race to adapt will determine whether India can sustain its dominance in the global mango market.
