Mangoes usually mean the onset of summer in Gujarat. But this year, the farmers in Saurashtra's hinterland, famous for its Kesar variety of mangoes, are a perplexed lot– the mango trees are either laden with fruits or have flowers in full bloom.

Agricultural scientists have undertaken the study in the phenomenon and believe the climate change could be a possible factor.

The phenomenon is seen in mango trees in Talala taluka in Junagadh district and in villages around Godhra. So far, these trees were never known to have flowered or given fruit off season.

The farmers in the region, though happy to take mango crop, are puzzled to see mango trees flowering and bearing fruit in October-November. Many of them have approached the nearby agriculture universities and horticulture institutes to know if the crop will have any negative effect.

Vipul Palani, a farmer in Talala who has a Kesar mango orchard spread over 10 acres of land, said he has never witnessed such an activity in the past. “So far, we have seen increase or reduction in the yield but trees bearing mango fruit at this time is totally new for us,” said Palani. He approached the Junagadh Agricultural University’s horticulture department and informed them about the development.

Congress leader Jayesh Patel has mango trees in an orchard just five kilometers from Godhra city. Patel said while he has harvested the mangoes in one of the orchards, another orchard belonging to him has also started bearing fruit.

“I come from a family of farmers but I have never seen flowering of the trees and ready mango fruit during this season of the year,’’ said Patel.

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