The mercury decline coupled with untimely rains last week has led to the falling of the mor (the mango flower) from orchids, especially in Junagadh’s Talala — the hub of kesar mango, the most productive of all mango breeds. The cultivators also fear severe damage to the fruit’s quality if the cold wave continued.

When contacted, the state agriculture department officials said, “The department is yet to do any sort of assessment.” The officials, however, added that if cold wave and rains persisted, all kind of crops in the region will be damaged.

The lowest temperature of 12 to 10 degree Celsius is normal for the region. But the mercury this season has often gone down to 5.5 degrees even as most of the time temperature reportedly stayed below 10 degree Celsius.

Heavy winds coupled and short but sharp spell of rains thrice last week have added to the cultivators’ woes.

The farmers have kept the fingers crossed following the large-scale falling of mor.

Kutch, Junagadh and Valsad are the three main mango growing centres in Gujarat and kesar is grown only in around 80-100 villages in Talala. Due to its sweet and juicy pulp, Kesar fruit is famous across the state.

“A cool temperature at night and warm sunlight during the day is ideal to grow mangoes before the ripening time in April,” said cultivator Sardarsinh Chauhan, who is also a member of the Talala Marketing Yard. He added: “But this season, a record dip in temperature, heavy winds and untimely rains have led to the possibility of widespread damage to the crop.”