Vijayawada: The little-known orange (commonly known as Mosambi) appears to be facing a decline in citrus – the gradual decline in its production and crop areas due to pests and diseases, attracting serious concern from farmers.
Mosambi used for nourishing juices is mainly raised in large quantities in Anantapur, Kadapa, Annamayya and Satya Sai areas. Currently, the distribution of crops exceeds 1.13 billion hectares, with an annual yield of 2.258 million tons.
The crop produces production after four years of planting and will last for 15 to 18 years. After pest attacks and diseases, yields have been reduced by nearly 50%, and reducing life span to just 10 years is the reason farmers are concerned about.
The horticulture authorities say that the cut areas have dropped by 30% over the past four to five years. A portion of farmers are looking for alternative crops such as bananas in the Rayalaseema region.
They and farmers are working to control pests and diseases to maintain crops and expand their farming area. Authorities focus on supplying high-quality plant materials and integrated crop management practices to shift the situation to their strengths.
“We will provide disease-free plants to enhance crop areas and ensure farmers continue to grow Mosambi instead of choosing bananas or other crops,” said Deva Muni Reddy, co-director of Horticulture (Fruit).
Mosambi is in demand, mainly in the northern states, and is also exported.
Currently, it is priced at Rs 22,000 to Rs 25,000 per ton. With the arrival of the summer peak, prices are expected to rise 40,000 rupees to Rs 50,000 per ton. The Mosambi plants are mainly derived from Tirupati, Railway Koduru and Pulivendula in Ap.
