Widespread and untimely shower coupled with fog and cold waves throughout the State from past few days has become a source of worry for the mango growers. Although it was not a heavy rain but even a slightest drizzle in this season may harm the mango flowers.
Professor at Meteorology Department of Birsa Agriculture University (BAU) A Wadood said, “These untimely rains create the perfect conditions for fungus and other pathogens to attack. The famers in these areas call it ‘mangu’. Anthracnose not only destroys part of flowers but also gives the mangoes black spot which reduces the market value tremendously.” He further added that all forms of rain and even heavy mist or fog during flowering are a cause of worry because the ambient humidity is increased. The state has received 98.3 mm rainfall and the temperature hovering around 24.6 degree Celsius which is around four degree below the normal.
According to Patna Meteorology Department the sudden change in weather was due to westerly disturbance becomes active in western region. However, the sky started getting clear from Sunday evening and state residents are likely to feel sudden nip in the air for next couple of days. Once the sky gets clear temperature is likely to dip by two degree Celsius.
Patna Meteorology Department Director RK Giri said, “We are expecting that by the end of March state residents can experience similar change in climate. For now the sky will get clear leading to dip in temperature.” Meanwhile, the spell of rain has brought good news for the standing crops. “The light spell of rain adds moisture in soil which benefits the standing crops. Besides, harvested crops like Arhar, Sarso (Mustard seeds) are likely to decline its quality due to unexpected rain,” added Wadood.