Get ready to pay more for vegetables in the coming days. Extreme temperatures of 40-42°C across many parts of the state on consecutive days have damaged crops and sparked a surge in aphid infestations, severely impacting vegetable production across the state. Aphids thrive in extreme summer heat, feeding on plant sap and spreading viruses that cause diseases, further damaging crops.
Shriram Gadhave, president of the Vegetable Growers Association of India, told TOI, "Almost all vegetables have been affected. The heat and pests have severely affected plant tissues, weakening the entire crop ecosystem."
He said the impact was widespread, with cucumber, beans, tomatoes, brinjal and other common vegetables showing significant damage. "We typically see some pest issues during summer months, but this summer has been particularly severe, with the impact being much more pronounced as compared to the last few years," Gadhave said.
Farmers said the combination of extreme heat and increased pest activity created a perfect storm for crop failure. "Certain pests thrive during extreme summer conditions, leading to rise in fruit drop incidence. Whatever crop remains has poor quality. My production has dropped by 60%," said Solapur grower Jhambuvant Ghodake said.
Read more at Times of India
