Strategies for organic production of mango

Abstract

Indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals in mango production has resulted in various environmental and health hazards along with socio-economic problems. The degenerative effects of agro-chemicals based farming practices have forced for alternative system of farming. However, high cost of chemical fertilizers, their toxic effect on fruit quality and health of soil has prompted to find out alternative source(s) of nutrients. In general, 4-6 sprays of pesticides are being done in mango production. Presence of residual toxicity of agro-chemicals is one of the major bottlenecks in capturing international markets. In mango crops, there is ample scope of organic farming and produce so obtained, is of superior quality and safe for health. Sometimes quality of externally sourced organic inputs is doubtful and they are also not cost effective. Therefore, emphasis for on-farm production of organic inputs is to be given to maintain the quality as well as cost effectiveness.