Mango covers in demand as Kadapa farmers expect decent yield

With the flowering season coming to an end and the pea-sized fruits setting in, mango farmers are getting a real-time estimate of the potential yield.

The major threats to mangoes are identified as the fruit-borers and fungal diseases, and as such the fruit covers are expected to act as a shield.

The Kadapa district administration has taken up measures to halve possible losses to farmers. The district has 1,500 hectares under orchards, with mango being the major horticultural crop.

Farmers not only saw a dip in yield last year, but also witnessed fruit-borers piercing through the mangoes and rendering them unusable. On the other hand, the spread of fungal diseases led to stunted growth of fruit and also caused black patches.

Mango growers who resorted to spraying pesticides for more than ten times ended up draining their financial resources, but could not curtail the spread of fungus.

Cheaper alternative

Horticultural officials suggest the use of mango covers as a cheaper alternative as it acts as a sheath to protect the fruits from flies, fruit-borers and other external threats.

One hectre requires 15,000 fruit covers (each costing ₹2). As the covers are provided at 50% subsidy, the farmers incur ₹30,000 initially, but the government deposits ₹15,000 back into the farmer’s account. A farmer gets support for a maximum of two hectares.

“The trees in my 15-acre farm are healthy due to the covers and I expect them to come to fruition in three weeks”, says K. Subbarayudu, a farmer of Gopavaram village, who has utilised the covers for 60% of the trees.

“The government is committed to making Rayalaseema a horticultural hub, we are leaving no stone unturned to provide subsidies to farmers and also ensuring safeguards to the yield. It is a welcome sign that the farmers of Kadapa district are adopting modern practices, and we are all set to lend a helping hand to them,” said District Collector Sridhar Cherukuri.

Farmers can contact their respective divisional horticultural officers at 79950 86975 (Kadapa), 79950 86979 (Badvel), Porumamilla (79950 86977), Pulivendula (79950 86982), Muddanur (79950 86976) and Mydukur (79950 86987).