Submit an Accurate Report on Natural Disaster Affecting Konkan Mangoes – Guardian Minister Nitesh Rane

Mumbai, February 2026 :Due to early rainfall in November, the flowering (inflorescence) of mango trees in Sindhudurg district was delayed. Subsequently, from December onwards, consistently low temperatures and cold weather conditions across the district led to good flowering. However, after the emergence of a third round of flowering, it is still uncertain how much yield mango growers will ultimately receive. In view of this uncertainty, the Agriculture Department has been instructed to prepare a proper and accurate report and submit it immediately to the government, said Fisheries, Ports Development and Sindhudurg District Guardian Minister Nitesh Rane.

A meeting was held at the Mantralaya under the chairmanship of Guardian Minister Nitesh Rane to discuss immediate remedial measures regarding the losses caused by diseases affecting mango crops in Sindhudurg district. The meeting was attended by Sindhudurg District Collector Tripti Dhodmise; Vice-Chancellor Sanjay Bhave of Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth; Director of Horticulture Ankush Mane; Research Director Dr. V. U. Shahare from the same agricultural university; Head of the Plant Pathology Department Dr. Pushpa Patil; Head of the Entomology Department Dr. Vijay Desai; Agriculture Department Under Secretary Dr. Lalitkumar Dhaigude; as well as office-bearers of mango and other fruit growers’ associations, mango orchard owners, and traders’ associations.

It was pointed out during the meeting that the absence of adequate flowering on mango crops in the Konkan region is likely to result in substantial losses for mango producers. Moreover, if rainfall occurs in the coming period or if temperatures rise sharply, mango growers may be left with little or no harvest. Considering these risks, Minister Rane assured mango orchard owners that the situation would be declared a natural disaster and that the government would extend substantial assistance to mango growers across the Konkan region.

The minister also expressed concern that indiscriminate spraying of various pesticides on mango crops has contributed to a decline in production. He emphasized the need to formulate a clear and well-defined policy to regulate pesticide use so that productivity can be protected without causing further harm to the crop.

Additionally, Guardian Minister Rane stated that greater emphasis would be placed on strengthening agricultural universities to enhance research, guidance, and support for farmers. He also expressed a positive outlook toward seeking guidance from foreign agricultural scientists with the objective of significantly increasing mango production in the Konkan region.

The meeting underscored the importance of timely assessment, scientific intervention, and coordinated policy measures to safeguard the livelihood of mango growers and to ensure sustainable growth of mango cultivation in Konkan.