Mahabaleshwar Strawberry Farmers Reel Under Unseasonal Cold Spell
An unseasonal cold spell has severely impacted strawberry plantations in Mahabaleshwar, with farmers reporting a significant dip in harvest. The region, known for its strawberry production, has seen temperatures drop to as low as 5-6°C in open farm areas near Venna lake.
Nitin Bhilare, president of the Strawberry Growers’ Association of India told the Times Of India that the strawberry harvest has begun, but the unusually low temperatures are affecting the ripening process. “Production so far has dropped by nearly 60-70%. For instance, a farmer harvesting 100kg is now barely getting 30kg because of the cold,” Bhilare said.
Farmers are concerned that the sharp fall in temperature could push plants into dormancy, disrupting the plant’s metabolic processes and slowing down growth and fruit development. “The optimal temperature range for healthy growth and ripening is between 15°C and 20°C. However, the current conditions are far from ideal, with frost formation reported in some areas,” Bhilare added.
Darshan Kadam, assistant professor (horticulture) at Regional Wheat Rust Research Station, Mahabaleshwar, explained to the media person that the night temperature around Venna lake dropped to nearly 6.6°C on December 14. “For strawberry fruits to ripen, we need higher temperatures, ideally in the range of 10-25°C for optimal growth and production. Once the temperature dips below 10°C, the plant ceases its growth as a resistance mechanism,” Kadam said.
Farmers in the region are struggling to cope with the unseasonal cold spell. One farmer said to the media person that, “Dew drops are freezing on the plants, which is directly affecting flowering and fruit setting. This has significantly reduced production.” Raj Wadkar, a strawberry farmer in Avakali, reported a similar decline in production, with his farm producing only 20-25 kg of strawberries compared to the usual 80-100 kg.
The cold spell has also led to concerns about plant stress, diseases, and pests. Another strawberry grower said, “The wide temperature fluctuations are causing plant stress, leading to diseases and pests, as well as stunted growth.”
The Strawberry Growers’ Association of India has urged the government to provide support to farmers affected by the unseasonal cold spell. With the strawberry season expected to last until March, farmers are hoping for a recovery in temperatures to salvage their crops.
