Fruit covers for mangos suggested

Vijayawada: NTR district collector Dr G Lakshmisha said adopting organic farming by reducing chemical fertilisers and pesticides will bring a “double dhamaka” benefit to farmers and consumers. He said that natural methods lower input costs, improve soil health, and help farmers produce residue-free, high-quality crops that fetch better prices, while ensuring safe and healthy food for consumers.

On Thursday, the Collector, along with Tiruvuru RDO K Madhuri, visited Rangapuram village in Reddigudem mandal and inspected mango orchards at the field level. He interacted with progressive farmers associated with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and enquired about the usage and benefits of fruit covers.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the state government is supplying 15,000 fruit covers per hectare at a 50 per cent subsidy. He added that mangoes produced using this method fetch better prices in the market while providing consumers with high-quality, healthy fruits. He further explained that covering fruits at the lemon-size stage protects them from fruit flies and other pests, significantly reducing pesticide expenditure for farmers. He said this practice also ensures the production of chemical residue-free fruits. He encouraged mango farmers to adopt 100 per cent natural farming methods to ensure sustainable agriculture and long-term income. District Horticulture Officer P Balaji Kumar and other officials were present during the visit.