Protective bags to boost mango crop yield

FARMERS in Chittoor district are keen on improving mango yields and are focusing on protective bags that helped safeguard crops from pests and ensured a better harvest last year.

- D SURENDRA KUMAR @Chittoor

Officials from the Horticulture Department estimate that the district will require at least one crore protective bags this season.

In the first phase, 50 lakh bags have been distributed over the past three days. With the government providing a 50% subsidy on these covers, farmers are purchasing them enthusiastically. Recently, District Horticulture Officer Madhusudhan Reddy launched the distribution of mango bags in Bangarupalem.

Last year, Banginapalli (Benisha) mangoes without protective covers were sold for ₹35,000 to ₹40,000 per ton, whereas those with covers fetched ₹60,000 to ₹70,000 per ton.