Unseasonal Rains Devastate Gujarat’s Mango Harvest, Farmers Face Up to 35% Loss

In early May 2025, unseasonal weather events, including thunderstorms and high-speed winds, struck Gujarat, leading to significant damage to mango crops ready for harvest. The state’s horticulture department estimates that up to 35% of the Alphonso and Kesar mango varieties have been lost due to these conditions.

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The affected regions include South Gujarat districts such as Valsad, Navsari, Surat, and Bharuch, as well as Saurashtra districts like Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, and Amreli. In these areas, mango farming spans approximately one lakh hectares in South Gujarat and around 42,000 hectares in Saurashtra. The sudden weather change caused pre-ripened fruits to fall from trees, leading to substantial losses for farmers.

In response, teams from the Gujarat horticulture department, in coordination with the agricultural department and gram sevaks, have initiated surveys to assess the extent of the damage. These surveys are expected to take around five days to complete.

Farmers in Saurashtra have begun early harvesting to mitigate further losses. The unseasonal rains have not only affected mango crops but have also disrupted other agricultural activities in the region.

Key Points:

• Crop Loss: Up to 35% of Alphonso and Kesar mango varieties damaged due to unseasonal rains and winds.
• Affected Areas: Significant impact in South Gujarat (Valsad, Navsari, Surat, Bharuch) and Saurashtra (Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Amreli).
• Survey Initiated: State horticulture and agriculture departments conducting damage assessments over five days.
• Early Harvesting: Farmers in Saurashtra starting early harvests to prevent additional losses.
• Economic Impact: The damage threatens the livelihoods of mango farmers and could affect market supply and prices.