Mahabaleshwar's strawberry yield down 40% this season

Mahabaleshwar, known as India's strawberry capital, is experiencing its worst strawberry season in six years. Growers are dealing with a mix of mild winter temperatures, an unusually early summer, and a significant water shortage. This combination has led to a 40% drop in strawberry yields. Daytime temperatures in March are exceeding 30°C, which is too hot for strawberries. Many farms are suffering from sunburned fruits and lower quality, forcing some farmers to abandon their fields. Darshan Kadam, a horticulture expert, explained that strawberries need cooler weather to grow well. High temperatures stress the plants, causing earlier and smaller fruit production. The problem began with a mild winter that did not provide the chilly nights strawberries need. Data shows that temperatures at the research facility have been consistently above 30°C much earlier than usual. This year's weather has not allowed strawberries to develop their expected flavor and firmness. Additionally, the early summer has led to a water crisis. Venna Lake, an essential source of irrigation for about 2,500 acres of strawberry fields, is running low on water. Normally, water shortages happen in late April, but this year, they have started a month earlier. Nitin Bhilare, president of the Strawberry Growers' Association of India, reported that many new blooms have not formed due to extreme heat, resulting in lower yields. Farmers like Pravin Jadhav and Ganpat Parthe have reported significant drops in production and quality. They are facing challenges with water usage and evaporating supplies during this difficult season. The unpredictable weather has made it a tough year for strawberry farming in Mahabaleshwar.