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.
Read more at The Free Press Journal