Dharamshala, May 8 -- With the summer approaching, mango orchards across Kangra district would normally be preparing for ripened fruit harvest in June and July. The nature, however, seems to have different plans this year. The unusual hailstorm, gusty winds and sudden temperature fluctuations during the flowering and fruit setting stages has damaged crop with the horticulture department predicting a 25-30% loss in production this year.

The output this year is being estimated around 17,000 - 18,000 metric tonnes, compared to a normal production of 29,000 metric tonnes.

Optimal conditions for mango cultivation require a dry, sunny environment with warm temperatures, as high humidity and rain during the March-April flowering and fruit-sett...