Mango regeneration programme on the cards

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Dec. 17: The Malda horticulture department would start regeneration programme of old mango trees along the highways to make farmers aware of cultivation methods from the first week of January. The department officials have planned to hold such programmes on government lands. Initially, they have selected mango orchards around the Malda airport field in English Bazaar. Orchards on both sides of PWD roads and in Manikchak block office have also been selected for demonstrations. A few private orchards have also been selected for the programme. The district mango development officer, Mr SN Khara said: “We will focus on how old trees can be nourished after cutting down some branches for producing more fruits. We have selected roadside trees because people would understand the system of regeneration of old trees.” It may be noted that the National Horticulture Mission have adopted several methods to boost quality production of mangoes in this region, and sanctioned huge funds in various schemes for its development, including regeneration programmes for creating new mango orchards. The horticulture department and the district administration organised a workshop for 75 mango cultivators on 11, 12 and 13 December at the Malda club conference hall. The National Horticulture Mission sponsored the programme. The experts mainly focussed on preparation of mango cultivation and the use of organic inputs for better production and quality yield. They held practical demonstrations about improved mango harvesting through video photography, collected from various research stations, including Bidhan Chandra Krishi Bishwavidyalaya. The experts suggested the mango growers to avoid traditional methods of mango cultivation. The department has distributed 75 modern implements free of cost made by a private company to mango cultivators. The department has planned to organise another programme for 175 growers, including labourers, who are usually engaged in harvesting. Mr Khara said that implements for mango cultivation would be distributed free of cost.