Arunachal orange farmers worried over pre-mature tree deaths

Orange farmers in Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh are spending sleepless nights following the death of pre-mature trees in large area of plantations after being attacked by pests.

The orchards of the district, one of the major producers of Mandarin variety of oranges in the state, are being weighed down by misfortunes over the years, causing untold loss and suffering to the growers, officials said.

Situated amidst a hilly landscape, 50 km from district headquarters Tezu, Wakro is one of the most popular orange bowls of the district.

Progressive farmers in the circle own large acres of orange orchards in areas like Sosey Manyu, Patam Rangmang, Solangso Tayang, Gusat Mai and Meraso Minin.

The once panoramic and scenic beauty of the orange orchards of Wakro is going pale, even as the ailments afflicting the plants have hit the farmers’ economy hard and 10-13 years old fruit bearing plants are beginning to die.

The same syndrome was also reported in Lathoa area of Namsai. But the root of the problem apparently lies not far.

After spending sleepless nights in its efforts to diagnose the infestation, the district horticulture department has blamed ‘faulty planting and soil type’, among other reasons, for the situation.

“The prospect is disheartening, but the department is employing its resources and manpower to contain the adversity,” district horticulture officer, Mr R.N. Megegi, said.

“Manifold factors rule the roost in the orchards in Wakro, including pest infection, nutritional deficiency, lack of proper management and pruning, lack of sanitation practices, haphazard drainage, faulty planting and soil type,” he added.

The best Mandarin orange species are produced here, bringing in a turnover of Rs 5 lakh in a season for each farmer.

However, it is required that they spend a minimum of Rs 1 lakh to maintain the orchards. Regrettably, they appear to be least bothered to keep up their part of the deal, rued the DHO.

“The farmers have to develop a sense of responsibility to ensure diseases-free orchards,” he added.

Among the common pests in the orchards are bark eating caterpillar, truck boer and root rot.

The diagnostic report was made by a team of experts led by Basar-based ICAR centre’s joint director. Dr R. Bhagawati, including senior scientists Dr L.C. De and Dr A. Kalishekar, who had recently carried out a rigorous study of the syndrome in the orchards.

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