Mosambi Faces Fall in Production in AP Due to Pests, Diseases

Mosambi, used for its nourishing juice, is being raised mainly in the districts of Anantapur, Kadapa, Annamayya and Satya Sai in large quantities. At present, the crop is spread over 1.13 lakh hectares with an annual yield of 22.58 lakh metric tonnes.

The crop gives yield after four years of plantation and would sustain for 15 to 18 years. Following pest attacks and diseases, a nearly 50 per cent reduction in the yield and a shortening of the lifespan to just 10 years are a cause of concern to farmers.

Horticulture authorities say that in the last four to five years, the cropped area has been reduced by 30 per cent. A section of the farmers are looking for an alternative crop like banana in the Rayalaseema area.

They and the farmers are trying hard to control the pests and diseases, so as to sustain the crop and expand its area for cultivation. The authorities are focusing on supply of quality plant material and integrated crop management practices to turn the situation to their advantage.

Horticulture joint director (fruits) Deva Muni Reddy said, “We would supply disease-free plants to enhance the cropped area and to ensure the farmers continue cultivation of mosambi rather than, alternatively, going for banana or other crops.”

Mosambi is in high demand mainly in the northern states and it also gets exported.

At present, it is priced at Rs 22,000 to 25,000 per tonne. With the peak summer set to arrive, the price is expected to rise to Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 per tonne. Mosambi plants go to Telangana mainly from Tirupati, Railway Koduru and Pulivendula in AP.

The horticulture authorities are trying to see that the farmers take only quality plant material to raise the crop and they carry out registration of the mosambi crops as per norms of the Nursery Act to ensure that farmers comply with norms to raise them. Those who do not do this would face cancellation of their licence, it is warned.