Porbandar (Gujarat) [India]: Traditionally considered a summer fruit, saffron mangoes (Kesar Mangoes) are now being spotted in winter markets, a surprising development. Grown in the Bardha region of Porbandar district, these mangoes are creating excitement among both farmers and traders. Recently, a crate of Kesar mangoes was auctioned at the Porbandar Marketing Yard for ₹8,510, a remarkable price for this time of year.
This phenomenon is attributed to climate change and the effects of global warming. Usually, Kesar mangoes are harvested in summer and hit the markets in March-April. However, due to shifting weather patterns, these mangoes are now being cultivated and sold during winter. Officials from the Porbandar Horticulture Department reported that the winter harvest is a new hope for farmers, marking a positive shift in agriculture. While saffron mangoes made an appearance in winter markets last year as well, this season has seen both increased production and higher prices.
In areas such as Hanuman Garh, Bileshwar, and Khambhala in Porbandar, mango orchards are yielding high-quality, large-sized saffron mangoes. Known for their premium quality, these mangoes are in high demand and fetching impressive prices even during winter, reflecting a promising change in horticulture trends.
Last year, a crate of Kesar mangoes from a garden near Jabunwatni Cave was sold for ₹15,000. This year, a crate sold at ₹8,510 at the Porbandar Marketing Yard, indicating steady growth in the winter mango trade.
Farmers are now adapting to the effects of climate change, enjoying the benefits of mango cultivation during winter. This shift offers a new opportunity for better profits. However, horticulture officials caution that overall production could decline slightly due to global warming, though the current trend is a promising one.
In summary, the sale of saffron mangoes in winter has not only brought financial benefits to farmers but also highlighted the profound impact of climate change on agriculture. It underscores the need for farmers to adapt to evolving weather patterns and embrace new opportunities in crop cultivation.
