How Do You Modernise Mango Farming?
India stands proudly as the world’s largest mango producer, harvesting an impressive 23 million tonnes each year—nearly a fifth of the nation’s total fruit output. However, the art of mango farming has increasingly grown challenging, making the question of how to modernise mango farming more relevant than ever.
The Challenges of Mango Farming
– Climate Change Impact: Mango farming in India faces unpredictability due to climate change. Upendra Singh, a 62-year-old farmer from Malihabad, Uttar Pradesh, emphasizes, Seasons no longer follow a pattern. Flowering, fruiting, and harvesting timelines have shifted due to changing weather.
– Rising Costs: Input costs—including pesticides, labour, and irrigation—have surged, while yields have declined. Consequently, farmers are spending more and earning less.
The Varieties of Mangoes
India boasts almost 700 varieties of mangoes, each region exhibiting its own specialty:
– Northern India: Dominated by the Dasheri variety.
– Maharashtra: Known for the Alphonso mango.
– Bihar and West Bengal: Home to the Langra and Malda varieties.
Advancements in Mango Farming Techniques
In response to these challenges, researchers are pioneering advancements to modernise mango farming:
– New Mango Varieties: New strains that are more resilient to temperature fluctuations and pests are in development, but these initiatives take 5 to 10 years before bearing fruit.
– Genome Sequencing: The sequencing of the mango genome by ICAR has accelerated breeding processes by identifying genes associated with fruit quality and climate resilience, thus shortening the traditional breeding timeline from 10-20 years.
Innovative Farming Practices
Many farmers are eager to adopt modern farming practices:
– Planting Coloured Varieties: Upendra Singh has planted coloured mango varieties that consistently produce fruit each year, unlike traditional types that may have off-years.
– Scientific Methods: Techniques such as scientific pruning, canopy management, and growth regulators help control tree size and optimize the harvest.
– Bagging Technique: Enclosing individual fruits in breathable covers during development protects them from pests, diseases, and environmental stress. Dr. T. Damodaran from ICAR describes this as creating a controlled micro-environment beneficial for quality.
– Girdling: This method involves making a controlled cut on tree branches to redirect energy toward flowering and fruit development, significantly enhancing yield quality.
Farmers Embracing Change
Neeti Goel, who began her mango journey with a few trees, now oversees over 1,100 plants across 27 acres in Maharashtra. She practices scientific mango cultivation through soil and leaf analysis to guide fertilisation, emphasizing micronutrients like boron and zinc to maximize yield.
The Role of Greenhouses
Saravanan Achari, founder of Berrydale Foods, echoes the shift towards protective cultivation. He faces strict export market demands and is integrating greenhouses to combat pests influenced by erratic weather conditions. Countries like Japan and Israel are already using greenhouses due to similar climate challenges, says Achari, highlighting the necessity for Indian farmers to adapt.
Conclusion: The Future of Mango Farming
The quest to modernise mango farming is not merely about adopting new technologies; it’s about adapting to ongoing challenges posed by climate change and market demands. By embracing scientific research, innovative techniques, and protective cultivation methods, farmers like Upendra Singh, Neeti Goel, and Saravanan Achari are paving the way for a more resilient mango farming future. The journey may be complex, but the stakes are undeniably high for India’s mango cultivation legacy.