Modernising Mango Farming in India Amid Climate Change Challenges

Published: 21 February 2026, The English Chronicle Desk, The English Chronicle Online

India’s iconic mango industry — long the pride of farmers from Maharashtra to Bihar — is facing an era of unprecedented unpredictability as climate change disrupts traditional patterns of flowering, fruiting and harvest. With erratic weather now the norm, scientists, exporters and growers are urging innovation and modern techniques to stabilise production, protect yields and maintain export quality.

Farmers like Upendra Singh have seen how inconsistent rain, unseasonal heat and pest pressures have made cultivation more challenging than ever. “Seasons no longer follow a pattern,” he says, explaining that rising costs and declining yields are squeezing incomes even as demand for premium varieties remains high.

To combat these effects, experts emphasise the need to blend science with traditional farming. One key method is starting each season with soil and leaf analysis to tailor fertiliser use and ensure mango trees receive the right nutrients — a scientific approach that replaces guesswork with precision.

More advanced techniques are also gaining traction. Fruit “bagging” — enclosing individual fruits in eco‑friendly coverings — helps reduce pesticide use, protect against pests and improve fruit appearance for both domestic markets and lucrative export contracts. This method has already boosted quality in countries like Bangladesh and could offer similar benefits for Indian growers.

Growers are experimenting with protected cultivation, including greenhouse and shade structures, to control temperature and humidity for young trees — a practice already used in countries like Japan and Israel to mitigate climate impacts.

In addition to on‑farm innovations, agricultural authorities are encouraging climate‑smart practices such as integrated pest management (IPM), drip irrigation and water harvesting to cope with variable rainfall. Workshops and training sessions have underscored techniques like pheromone traps and balanced fertiliser scheduling to reduce disease and pest losses.

Scientists are also working to develop climate‑resilient mango varieties through genome research and faster breeding methods, aiming to create trees that can better withstand shifting temperature patterns and unexpected weather events.

The urgency is clear: without adaptation, traditional mango farming could struggle to keep up with global demand and export standards. But with new technologies, scientific insights and smarter horticultural practices, India’s farmers are being urged to evolve their methods — not just to survive, but to thrive in an era of climate uncertainty.

Read More At>>