Tirupati, Feb 12 (TNT): Rashtriya Seva Samithi (RASS), Tirupati, in collaboration with the The Coca-Cola Foundation, New Delhi, has launched the ‘Mango Unnati’ project aimed at improving the quality and productivity of the Totapuri mango variety cultivated across 20 mandals of the erstwhile Chittoor district.
As part of the initiative, a farmer training programme was organised on Thursday at the RASS Seva Nilayam here.
During the programme, 100 farmers were provided with input kits containing Multi-K, bio-fertilisers, bio-pesticides, Pongamia oil and “Mango Special” micronutrient mixtures for field-level demonstrations.
Addressing the farmers, RASS General Secretary Dr S. Venkataratnam said excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides was resulting in poor-quality produce and lower market prices.
He urged farmers to adopt scientific crop management and plant protection practices recommended by agricultural scientists to achieve higher yields at reduced production costs.
He highlighted that bio-fertilisers and bio-pesticides could significantly reduce dependency on chemicals.
Senior Scientist and Head Dr S. Srinivasulu stressed the need for soil testing, integrated crop management and integrated pest management (IPM) practices to ensure superior mango quality.
Technical experts Sudhakar and Dr Anil Kumar provided stage-wise guidance on mango cultivation.
They advised specific spray schedules for flowering initiation, fruiting initiation and fruit-setting stages to control pests such as mango hoppers and thrips and to enhance crop health.
The programme witnessed participation from RASS officials, KVK scientists, project staff Sai Chandra Babu and Neeraj, and about 100 farmers from Rompicherla, Pulicherla, Penumuru, Yerravaripalem, Chinnagottigallu, Vedurukuppam and Puttur mandals.
TNT LE
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