India: Technology gives hopes to increase in mango yield

You are out in the lush green mango orchards plucking the fruit from a full-grown tree which is shorter than you are.

Thanks to modern technology and research, it is now possible to have 'draw-fed mango trees' of six to seven feet height which would not only allow you to have access to the fruit directly, but would also increase its yield.

One such technique is Ultra High Density Plantation (UDHP) which is currently being adapted and further researched by Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd in their field-laboratory in Elaymuthir in Udumalpet.

Change in cultivation pattern, clubbed with proper drip irrigation and fertilisers would help India further consolidate its position as world leaders in mango production and export, Dr P Soman, Vice-President, Jain Irrigation, said.

In UDHP, the spacing between two mango trees and row is drastically brought down from the traditional 10m X 10m to 3m X 2m and even 3m X 1m.

"This not only allows us to grow more trees per acre, but also increases the produce manifold," he said.


Source: hindu.com

Publication date: 3/16/2009