by Laiqh A. Kahn, The Hindu
Until a few years ago, the harvest of mangoes used to alternate between ‘on year’ – when yield is bountiful – and ‘off year’, when the yield is scarce. This is no longer the case in Mysuru, say Horticulture Department officials in Mysuru.
Ever since the area under mango cultivation in the district increased and growers began managing the orchards better with effective pest and disease management techniques, the lines between on and off years have blurred, claim officials.
‘No fluctuation’
“There has not been much fluctuation in the arrival of mangoes in the district since the last four years. Though it was an ‘off year’ in 2014, there were sufficient arrival of mangoes and the price was also reasonable,” claimed H.C. Shashikala, Assistant Director of Horticulture, Mysuru. The mango season used to alternate between on year and off year in the district due to various reasons, including nutrition of the tree and climatic conditions.
With barely two months left for the mango season to start, Horticulture Department officials have begun creating awareness among growers in the district to use appropriate fungicide to tackle powdery mildew, which attacks the crop during flowering season.
“We have asked growers to take precautionary measures during the flowering season,” said Ms. Shashikala.
H.M. Nagaraj, Deputy Director of Horticulture Department, Mysuru, said area under mango cultivation in Mysuru has increased by more than 2,000 hectares during last five to six years. Even though many newly added orchards are yet to begin bearing fruit to the optimal level, the yield has increased considerably.
Several farmers have shifted to mango cultivation due to the schemes offered by the National Horticulture Mission, which include a subsidy of Rs. 12,000 for every hectare.
The figure includes Rs. 6,000 for every hectare of new orchard and Rs. 3,000 for maintainence in the subsequent two years.
Source: The Hindu