Drought-hit farmers in Kurnool pin hopes on mango crop

Kurnool: Due to the erratic rainy season this year, paddy cultivation is unsuitable for Kharif and Rabi crops in the region. Farmers have thus turned to mango cultivation on a large scale.

In the combined district, up to 80 per cent of the plantations are dedicated to the renowned Banginapally (Benishan) variety, while the remaining 20 per cent include other popular varieties such as Imam Pasand, Dilpasand, Neelam and Totapuri. They hope for a bountiful mango harvest as a lifeline to overcome their agricultural debts and financial problems.

The Banginapalli mango received geographical identity (GI) status in 2017, in view of its unique and specific regional characteristics. This boosted the cultivation of this variety.

There has been a significant increase in the total area dedicated to mango cultivation in both Kurnool and Nandyal districts. As mango trees start to blossom with the arrival of favorable weather conditions, experts anticipate that the trees would have 30 per cent flowering by the end of December. With proper care, the mango yield may reach 7 to 8 tonnes per acre.

Andhra Pradesh is recognized as the second-largest mango-growing state, with an extensive cultivation area of 4.31 lakh hectares. The annual production is around 43.50 lakh metric tonnes. Mango cultivation dominates a significant 68 per cent of the total cultivated area in the state.

Andhra Pradesh accounts for 24 per cent of the nation's total mango production.

The previous year, farmers faced challenges with mango yields due to unfavorable climatic conditions. Despite the reduction in yield, they got better prices. This year, there was a delay in mango ripening due to the chilly weather due to the north-east monsoon. Horticulture officials have advised farmers to take precautionary steps to safeguard their crop.

Assistant director of horticulture in Nandyal, U Nagaraju, has suggested that a variety of mangoes, including the popular Banaginapalli, be cultivated across various mandals in Kurnool and Nandyal districts, including Banaganapalle, Bethamcherla, Veldurthi, Peapully, Panyam, Orvakal etc.

Promisingly, almost 70 per cent of mango trees, between 15 and 20 years old, in Nandyal and Kurnool districts have commenced the flowering process. This indicates a potential for a productive mango harvest. The yield estimates range from three to four tonnes per hectare.