Apples beat the heat, thrive in Kerameri

Apples in a field in Dhanora in Kerameri

The sight of apples hanging from some trees in Dhanora of Kerameri mandal in Kumarambheem Asiffabda district in the summer will surely surprise one and all, since the fruit is known to grow only in the cold weather conditions.

Kerameri is gradually being seen as among the more suitable place in the state for apple plantations. 

The blossoming apples leave people passing by the agriculture field of a progressive farmers Balaji Kendre stunned.

Presently, the apples are still raw and green, they will change colour in the coming days as they ripen.    

Mr Kendra of Dhanora said that the ‘Hariman’ variety of  apple plants that he raised in his field have adapted to the hot weather conditions and are now bearing fruit even in the summer. He said that nearly 100 apple trees are in cropping stage; each has 150-200 apples.

Mr Kendre said that the fruits will turn reddish in colour in about a month; ready to be plucked.

He said that presently, temperatures in the areas is around 35-37 Degree Celsius but the apple trees are as productive. He said that it was only two years ago that he had planted the trees and he planned to start commercial operations by next year.

It is learnt that Kendre removed some flowers to reduce the weight on the  trees so that they don’t snap  or break into two.

Demand for fruits rises as temperatures soar

With the day time temperatures rising across the state, fruits like watermelon are such in demand. Meanwhile, people living in the interiors are struggling to cope with water shortage.

Adilabad is experiencing day time temperatures between 30° C to 40° C, forcing the people to confine themselves indoors, especially in the afternoons. 

Markets are dotted with the fruits like watermelon, muskmelon, grapes, coconut, sapota, orange and sugarcane and traders are doing brisk business. Middlemen are also making brisk business with the leafy vegetables in the local markets.

Sugarcane juice is the flavor of the season and man care crushing centers have sprung up in Adilabad town. Needless to say, business is good. Farmers have taken to watermelon cultivation in Adilabad and Kumarambheem Asifabad districts and fruit vendors are also importing them from bordering Maharashtra. Water-based fruits are preferred t overcome dehydration, a major cause for worry during the summers.  .

Dr Naitham Sumalatha, MD, a general physician in Adilabad towns said that people must take more liquids and sufficient water to avoid electrolytes imbalance in the body and dehydration caused by hot weather conditions. She said that cotton clothes help in keeping the body cool.

She said that people complain of headache and fall sick with sunstroke when exposed to blistering heat for a sustained period of time.

     

Doctors advised the people to cover the head with cloth for protection against  heatwaves and dehydration and take more water at the regular intervals  to remain hydrated and keep primary medical kits on hand for people working under the hot sun. Students writing their examinations must take extra precautions  to avoid sunstroke and dehydration.