Chittoor farmers boost mango yield through protective bags

Chittoor: The king of fruits, mangoes, is about to hit the markets. Farmers in Chittoor district are trying to increase the production of this delicious fruit this season with the use of protective bag techniques. These bags are likely to give full protection to the fruits from pests and normal diseases, improving the quality of the crops as well. Farmers applied this method last year; seeing the previous year’s success, they are ready to follow the same practice again.

The Horticulture Department has made it clear that at least one crore bags are needed immediately this season. Overall, 50 lakh bags have already been supplied over the past couple of days. Farmers are getting a 50 percent subsidy on such bags. They are purchasing it at a minimal price of Rs 1 for each bag.

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Mangoes grown in protective covers are sold at a higher price compared to those grown without covers. Therefore, the demand for protective covers has boosted due to the price difference in crops. The department has been boosting organic farming, encouraging farmers to use protective bags from the flowering stage in the tree, which would enlarge fruit size and boost the quality as well.

Horticulture scientist Srinivasulu Reddy advised farmers to adopt modern farming techniques for better profits. “Using organic fertilizers reduces cultivation costs and improves quality, which increases export potential,” he explained.

Chittoor is known as the mango hub in Andhra Pradesh, and with the adoption of cover bags and other latest methods, farmers are confident to get a bumper mango harvest this year.