Purandar's Fig Crisis: Unseasonal Cold Wreaks Havoc on Maharashtra's Leading Fig Region
Pune's Purandar tehsil, renowned as Maharashtra's foremost fig-producing region, is grappling with a profoundly challenging agricultural season. Agriculture scientists report that extended periods of unusually low temperatures over the past two months have severely impacted fruit size, weight, and overall yield, casting a shadow over this vital horticultural belt.
Climate-Induced Disruption to Fruit Development
According to experts at the Fig and Custard Apple Research Centre in Jadhavwadi, the persistent drop in minimum temperatures during critical phases of fruit development has disrupted the crop's normal growth cycle. Yuvraj Balgude, a plant pathologist at the centre, explained to TOI, "We observed that the size and weight of figs were significantly lower than the average recorded last season. Additionally, the premature drop of fruits was much higher than usual."
Figs typically thrive in dry and moderately warm conditions, especially during fruit-setting and development stages. The prolonged cold spell has interfered with several physiological processes within the plants. "Low temperatures reduce nutrient absorption and translocation," Balgude elaborated. "Consequently, essential nutrients required for fruit enlargement and proper development are not adequately utilized."
Visible Impact on Orchards and Farmer Livelihoods
Field inspections by scientists revealed widespread signs of nutrient deficiency in fig plantations across Purandar. This issue is not attributed to poor fertilizer application but rather to the plants' diminished capacity to absorb nutrients under cold stress. A senior agriculture officer noted, "The problem is largely climate-induced. Even meticulously managed orchards are producing smaller fruits."
The repercussions are starkly evident on the ground. Growers report that fruits are failing to achieve the size and weight necessary for premium grades, directly depressing market prices. Akshay Jagtap, a farmer from Dive village in Purandar, highlighted, "Figs are graded very strictly. Even a slight reduction in size relegates the produce to a lower price bracket. When fruits drop prematurely, it represents a total loss."
The unseasonal cold has also triggered a substantially higher rate of premature fruit drop, exacerbating the financial strain on growers in a region where fig cultivation spans nearly 600 hectares. This area supplies major domestic markets and contributes to exports, with its fig by-products further bolstering rural economies. Any production disruption directly undermines rural incomes and market stability.
Ineffective Countermeasures and Mounting Financial Pressure
In a bid to mitigate the cold conditions, some farmers resorted to traditional methods like lighting small fires within plantations to elevate temperatures. However, scientists deemed these measures largely ineffective. Balgude stated, "Such practices may offer a marginal, short-term temperature increase but are neither effective nor sustainable at the orchard level."
The financial implications for growers are severe. Fig cultivation is input-intensive, involving high costs for planting material, drip irrigation systems, fertilizers, labor, and pest management. With yields anticipated to decline this season, many farmers fear they may not recoup their investments. One grower lamented, "We invest year-round hoping for a bountiful harvest. When weather turns adverse, our options are severely limited."
Call for Climate-Resilient Practices and Future Precautions
Scientists urge growers to adopt more climate-resilient strategies, including regular soil and leaf testing, balanced nutrient management, and enhanced orchard monitoring during extreme weather events. They also emphasize the necessity for long-term research into protective cultivation practices tailored to evolving climatic patterns.
As climate variability becomes increasingly commonplace, experts warn that temperature-sensitive crops like figs face heightened risks in the coming years. An agriculture expert remarked, "For Purandar's fig growers, this season serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of even well-established horticultural belts to weather shifts, leaving farmers contending with diminished fruits and escalating financial pressures."
Traders are exercising caution amid the uncertainty. Yuvraj Kachi, a Pune-based fruit trader, noted, "Consistency in quality is paramount. If supplies become erratic, buyers may seek alternatives." This season's challenges underscore the urgent need for adaptive measures to safeguard Purandar's fig industry against future climatic adversities.
