Agricultural scientists recently conducted a workshop at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture (ICAR-CISH) in Madhabnagar, targeting local farmers. The event, spearheaded by T Damodaran and Samanta Layek, focused on innovative agricultural practices. A key feature was the introduction of a bagging technique for mango trees, which significantly lowers fungal and pest attacks by enveloping the fruit-bearing branches in a net bag post-fruit set.
This method is expected to decrease chemical spray usage from seven to two applications per season, thereby fostering a more sustainable environment and enhancing farmer profitability. "Pruning new mango trees to a smaller size will facilitate this technique. We are also to pave the way for Malda's mangoes to reach broader markets, including other Indian states and international destinations," Layek commented. The workshop also covered other crops like bananas, tomatoes, and eggplants, offering solutions to improve agricultural practices across the region.
Source: Millennium Post