The King of Fruits in Danger: Mangoes and Climate Change

Zafar Iqbal
With the arrival of summer, a distinct fragrance begins to spread across the subcontinent. This fragrance is not just of a fruit, but of an entire season, a civilization, and an emotional attachment. This fragrance belongs to the mango. The mango is aptly called the "King of Fruits". It is not only unparalleled in taste, but also plays a vital role in our culture, economy, and daily life.
However, today this king is facing a silent threat. Climate change, which is affecting natural systems worldwide, has now also begun to impact mango cultivation and production. This issue is not just agricultural, but is also taking the shape of an economic, environmental, and cultural crisis.
Mangoes are not just an agricultural product, but an emotional experience. Childhood summer vacations, trays of mangoes at home, the joy of eating chilled mangoes, mango shakes, and pickles - all these are part of our memories.
In rural areas, mango orchards not only present a beautiful sight, but also provide a source of livelihood for millions of people. The economy of farmers, laborers, transporters, and traders is all connected to mangoes in one way or another.
India is the world's largest mango producer, with millions of hectares of land dedicated to mango cultivation and millions of tons of production. Similarly, in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other South Asian countries, mangoes are a major crop.
The mango tree appears to be robust, but in reality, it is highly sensitive to its environment. Its growth and fruiting process depend on several climatic factors.
Mango trees prefer a warm climate, but a specific temperature is required at each stage. A temperature of 24 to 27 degrees Celsius is considered ideal for flowering. Excessive heat or sudden cold can be detrimental.
Mango trees require a moderate cold spell to initiate the flowering process. If the cold is not sufficient, fewer flowers bloom, affecting production. During the flowering and fruiting stages, dry weather is essential. Excessive moisture or rain can lead to diseases.
Although mangoes require water, the timing and quantity of rainfall are crucial. Untimely rainfall can severely damage the crop.
Climate change refers to long-term changes in the Earth's temperature, rainfall patterns, and overall weather conditions. These changes are being accelerated by human activities, particularly the use of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial pollution. The mango crop is directly affected by these changes, as its biological cycle is closely linked to weather conditions.
Unpredictable rainfall, rain during the flowering stage, is the biggest threat to mangoes. During this time, flowers drop, pollination is affected, and the fruiting process is halted. This situation is extremely detrimental to farmers, as once the flowers are lost, the entire season's production can be affected. Even without rain, strong winds can cause fruit to drop from the tree, resulting in significant losses.
Excessive moisture in mango orchards leads to diseases such as fungus, anthracnose, and powdery mildew. These diseases not only reduce production but also affect the quality of the fruit. Excessive heat or unusual temperatures disrupt the natural cycle of the mango tree, causing flowers to bloom prematurely or late, affecting the taste and quality of the fruit.
Previously, there was a balanced rainfall system, but now it has become erratic. Sometimes there is heavy rainfall, and sometimes prolonged droughts. This uncertainty makes it difficult for farmers to plan. Climate change has the most significant impact on farmers. When crops fail, farmers suffer direct financial losses. Debts increase, and income decreases. Continuous losses and uncertainty affect the mental well-being of farmers.
The decline in mango production also affects other related sectors, such as labor, transportation, and markets. Mango orchards are not just agricultural land, but a complete ecosystem. They provide habitat for birds and insects, maintain soil fertility, and help regulate temperature.
When these orchards are affected, the entire ecological balance is disrupted. Mangoes are an essential part of our culture. Serving mangoes to guests, taking pride in different mango varieties, and literary and poetic references to mangoes - if mango production declines, these cultural traditions will also be affected.
To mitigate this disaster, it is essential to adopt modern agricultural techniques, drip irrigation, weather forecasting, and better sprays against diseases. Scientists are developing varieties that can withstand higher temperatures and are resistant to diseases. Efficient water use: it is crucial to adopt water conservation methods and effective irrigation systems.
The government should provide financial assistance to farmers, invest in research, and develop plans to combat climate change. Public awareness: people must also take responsibility: adopt an environmentally friendly lifestyle, plant trees, and use resources judiciously.
If climate change is not controlled, mango production may be further affected in the coming years, prices may rise, quality may decline, and some varieties may become extinct. However, if timely measures are taken, this crisis can be mitigated.
Mangoes are not just a fruit, but an essential part of our life, economy, and culture. Climate change has put this "king" in danger, and this threat is not limited to farmers, but to all of us. It is time for us to take this issue seriously and collectively find a solution. If we do not take action today, future generations may only see mangoes in stories and books.
The fragrance, taste, and memories associated with mangoes are part of our identity, and it is our collective responsibility to preserve this identity.