Imphal: The Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur distributed pesticides and plant protection equipment to orange farmers in Nungba during a field visit of orange farms recently.
The field visit by a combined team of experts from the department, Plant Health Clinic, Tamenglong and Noney districts officials was made following complaints from farmers regarding the occurrence of pest and citrus diseases.
During the visit to the villages of Padan, Noney, Chumla, Nungba and Mukti Khullen in Nungba sub-division, the combined team confirmed the presence of pest like Citrus Stem Borer, Leaf Miner, Fruit Sucking Moth and Stink Bugs and citrus diseases like Pink Disease of Citrus, Sooty Mould, Citrus Canker, Lichens.
Pesticides and items distributed include rocker sprayer, plantomycin, fipronil, imidacloprid, chloropyriphos, Adjuvant/Sticker, Copper Oxy-Chloride, Sulphur Fungicide, etc.
Tamenglong District Officer, Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Chungong Pamei said an expert team visited Mukti Khullen in Nungba Sub-division, Noney district following a report from farmers on the presence of pest and citrus diseases in their farms.
After proper diagnosis, the expert team found the presence of pest and citrus diseases and conducted demonstrations for the farmers and their workers on the use of pesticides to control the pests and diseases. We also educated the farmers of precautionary measures and Integrated Nutrient Management and provided toolkits, farm equipment, insecticides, etc., he added.
He stated that the team will continue to closely monitor for another week after spraying the pesticides and insecticides to check for results.
Further adding that the Tamenglong Orange has already been GI Tagged, he said that orange farmers facing any issues regarding pests or diseases can contact the department and that the department is ever ready to provide rapid response.
During the inspection, the team visited three villages where there are about 3000 orange trees, he said, adding that production this year would not be less than 30 metric tons.
He also said that orange plantations will help in improving the economy and livelihood of the farmers and that the department will provide all possible assistance to the farmers.
