Today's mango sale
**Early End to Aiwen Mango Harvest in Tainan's Nanhua District**
The Nanhua District Farmers’ Association has made an unexpected announcement, deciding to halt the collection of Aiwen (Irwin) mangoes earlier than usual this season, with the collection ending on Friday instead of the typical end date[1]. This decision comes as a result of the current harvest falling significantly short of previous years’ production levels, signalling a 15-year low yield.
The Aiwen mangoes, a popular local fruit grown in Nanhua District, are currently being sorted for distribution[2][3][4]. Photographer Wu Chun-feng of the Taipei Times captured images of the sorting process[5]. However, the exact reasons behind this season’s poor yield remain unclear[1].
Typically, factors such as weather extremes, pest and disease pressure, climate change effects, labour and input costs, and orchard age and management can contribute to declines in mango production[6]. Given the early halt to the collection, adverse weather conditions, a common issue in Taiwanese agriculture, are suspected to be the primary cause[1]. Further investigation would be necessary to determine the precise mix of factors responsible for the anticipated historic low in production.
Despite the challenges faced by this year's harvest, the Aiwen mangoes continue to be transported and sold[7]. Local farmers in Nanhua District have been growing these mangoes, and the last of the season's fruit is currently being sorted and prepared for distribution. As the collection of these mangoes comes to an end, the impact on the local farming community is evident.
[1] [Taiwan News, 2022] [2] [Taipei Times, 2022] [3] [Focus Taiwan, 2022] [4] [CNA, 2022] [5] [Taipei Times, 2022] [6] [FAO, 2021] [7] [Taiwan News, 2022]
The early end to the Aiwen mango harvest in Tainan's Nanhua District, along with the shortfall in production, may impact the local lifestyle by altering the availability and affordability of food-and-drink options. The suspected cause of this year's poor yield, adverse weather conditions, could influence the overall weather pattern in the district, potentially affecting other food-and-drink industries.
