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Farmers in Punjab worried at over ripening of mandarin fruits
From ANI

Abohar (Punjab), Feb 4: Winter rains have become problematic for Kinnow (mandarin) growers in Abohar region of Punjab. The inclement weather has resulted in the over ripening of Kinnows.

Such Kinnows do not fetch good prices in the market.

Hot winds and excessive heat during flowering season are highly detrimental for the citrus trees to bear fruits.

According to horticulture agronomists, low humidity favours colour development, whereas trees not having adequate sunlight produce low yields of poor-quality fruits. This fluctuation in temperature has resulted in the in the over the ripening of fruit."This year, bad weather conditions have created lot of problems for us. There are other problems also like marketing and getting right prices. Difference in day and night temperature has resulted in the growth of bad quality Kinnows. Our Kinnows are sagging and have been ripened before its time," said Gurwinder Singh, a grower.

Abohar region in Firozpur District does boast of rich soil, good irrigation sources, particularly for the production of Kinnow.

"Farmers need to get their fruits early in the market, as they can't store over ripened fruits. Because of all this excessive amount of Kinnows have reached the market, and prices of Kinnows will go down," said Tek Chand, Deputy Director, Agriculture Department, Abohar.

Kinnow is most common among citrus fruits grown in India having a share of around 50 per cent of total citrus fruits produce.

In the current season, the early winter showers in the month of January alongside prolonged periods of fog have adversely affected the growth of Kinnows. By Avtar Singh Gill


Copyright Asian News International/DailyIndia.com