Already reeling under a bad crop year, farmers in the Konkan region of Maharasthra that produces some of the best Alphonso mangoes now have Mother Nature to contend with as well.

Through Friday night and much of Saturday, parts of Sindhudurg, especially in Kudal, Jamsande, Malwan, Vijaydurg, Devgad and other areas witnessed intermittent rains leading to widespread panic among farmers. Locals say any more rain could harm the mango flowers and also attract thrips, insects, which spoil the fruit, turning the mango skin black and thus making it un-salable.