Pomegranate orchards in Maharashtra are under threat of pests and diseases. Solapur district is considered the stronghold of pomegranate. But due to increasing infestation of pests, pomegranate has been grown there since last year. (Pomegranate) The gardens are disappearing. On the other hand, pomegranate growers are facing difficulties due to rising temperature. Farmers to save orchards from unseasonal rains and pest infestation (Farmer) Has spent lakhs of rupees. But the rising heat is affecting the gardens. Due to the rising temperature, as soon as the fruit is starting to set, it is falling down. Along with this, the outbreak of pinhole borer insects is also increasing rapidly. This danger arises when the temperature goes above 40 degrees. Due to this, the farmers are upset and are requesting for help from the Agriculture Department.
Pomegranate trees are getting spoiled due to mercury crossing 40 in Sapatne area of Nashik district and other fruits are also getting ruined due to rising temperature. White spots are appearing on the fruits due to strong sunlight. That’s why farmers are working hard to save the fruits from the scorching sun. These spots are having a detrimental effect on the orchards and the quality of the fruits is also deteriorating.
Farmers are doing this work to save the orchards
Farmers are covering small trees using old sarees and clothes as per the requirement. Apart from this, spraying of insecticide is also being done. Farmers are also pouring water in the orchards at night to reduce the effect of heat. Farmers say that this year due to unseasonal rains and temperature, there has been a huge reduction in the production of pomegranate.
Farmers upset due to increasing outbreak of pests
Pinhole borer pests have increased rapidly on pomegranate orchards this year. Due to this the farmers were forced to destroy their orchards. Pomegranate orchards in Solapur district were extensively damaged due to these pests. Due to this the farmers had to bear the loss of lakhs. Seeing the increasing outbreak, the Agriculture Department has started planning for this and under this advice is being given to the farmers.
