Context:
India is the world’s largest producer of mangoes, known for its rich genetic diversity and vast cultivation across tropical and subtropical regions. Despite rising temperatures, India’s mango productivity has remained resilient due to adaptive traits and large-scale cultivation efforts. The country produces iconic varieties like Alphonso, Dasheri, Kesar, and Banganapalli, and maintains a strong export presence.
Relevance : GS 3(Agriculture ,Environment and Ecology)
High Temperatures and Mango Production
- Record Heat: 2024 was India’s warmest year since 1901, with +0.65°C above average temperatures (IMD, 2024).
- Anecdotal Concerns: Farmers report early flowering, reduced sweetness, lower yield, and shorter pickle shelf-life—pointing to climate stress.
- Productivity Trend: Despite heat concerns, mango productivity remains strong—9.4 MT/ha (2024-25) vs average 7.9 MT/ha over 25 years.
- Global Comparison: India outperforms China (8.74 MT/ha) and Thailand (8.36 MT/ha) in mango productivity.
- States leading in production: Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, Gujarat.
- Cultivation Expansion: Area under mango cultivation rose by 2.34% in 2023–24, reaching 24.01 lakh hectares.
- Heatwave Effects on Trees: Higher temperatures can cause fruit drop, early maturity, sun scalding, and spongy tissue (esp. in Alphonso).
- Climate Sensitivity: Mango plants require stable pollination conditions—extreme rain, hail, or wind during budding/flowering disrupt yields.
- Role of Genetic Diversity: Mango’s genetic variability enhances resilience, supporting adaptation to drought and heat.
- Physiological Adaptability: Mango trees exhibit built-in mechanisms to adjust to environmental stress—key for future climate resilience.
- Breeding Potential: Rich genetic diversity enables modern breeding interventions to improve climate tolerance and productivity.
- Conclusion: While climate change poses risks, India’s mango sector remains robust due to increased acreage, adaptive traits, and genetic diversity.
