Excessive rain, poor drainage destroying orange crops

Excessive rain in orange growing region of Vidarbha (Nagpur) in Maharashtra has led to damage of orange crops. Experts claim that water logging in the orchards has led to onset of various fungal diseases and pests that are destroying the crops. The National Research Centre for Citrus (NRCC) advises orange growers to maintain the best possible drainage as that's the only solution to save orchards from decline or death.

NRCC says that amid excessive rains, chances of water logging always exist if drainage system is not maintained. NRCC has cautioned farmers to remain vigilant during September as it is a crucial month for following best cultivation practices to save the crop from fungal and other diseases. High humidity and water logging invites a lot of diseases and pests. And, if proper care is not taken it may also lead to extreme situations with the orchards dying.

NRCC suggests that the first vital step orange growers should take is tillage operations if there are no rains. Farmers should uproot weeds from the tree basin. Instead of flooding the tree bottom, a double ring should be prepared around the tree for irrigation. In case of drip irrigation, the laterals should be spread and only measured amount of water as per requirement of plant should be given.