Decline of Mango Orchards Threatens Nuzvid's Horticultural Heritage
Nuzvid’s mango belt shrinks amid shifting trends
Image: The Times Of India
Nuzvid, a renowned mango-growing region in Andhra Pradesh, India, is experiencing a significant reduction in orchard acreage, from 75,000 hectares in 2013 to 58,000 hectares today. Factors like pest attacks, climate change, and aging trees are pushing farmers to shift to more profitable crops like oil palm.
- 01Nuzvid's mango orchards have shrunk by 17,000 hectares over the past decade.
- 02Around 20 mango varieties are cultivated, with Chinna Rasalu and Banginapalli being particularly popular.
- 03Farmers face challenges from pest infestations, climate change, and aging trees, leading to reduced yields.
- 04Many farmers are transitioning to oil palm cultivation due to better financial returns and government support.
- 05The Andhra Pradesh Horticulture Department is encouraging the replanting of modern mango varieties to combat the decline.
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Nuzvid, located in Andhra Pradesh, India, has long been a significant center for mango cultivation, producing some of the finest varieties in the country. However, the area dedicated to mango orchards has decreased from nearly 75,000 hectares in 2013 to about 58,000 hectares today, raising concerns about the region's agricultural future. Farmers attribute this decline to several factors, including pest infestations, changing weather patterns, and the aging of trees, which have diminished yields and profitability. Many growers, such as B Srinivasa Rao, express frustration over the challenges they face, noting that some trees are over 120 years old and less productive. In response to economic pressures, numerous farmers are shifting to more lucrative crops like oil palm, which offers attractive market prices and government support. This transition is altering the agricultural landscape of Nuzvid, prompting the Andhra Pradesh Horticulture Department to promote the planting of modern mango varieties to help revitalize the industry and preserve its heritage.
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The decline in mango orchards threatens the economic stability of local farmers and the agricultural identity of Nuzvid.
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