MANGO CROP SUFFERS HOPPER,MIDGET & FUNGAL DISEASES

MULTAN,Feb 28th:Mango crop is suffering from Mango hopper, midges and fungal diseases due to unfair weather and it would not be possible to meet thedemand of foreign buyers if the diseases were not controlled immediately.It was discussed in a meeting of the Managing Committee of Mango Growers Cooperative Society Limited Multan was held under the chairmanship of Syed Zahid Hussain Gardezi.
The Meeting took stock of the current mango crop in general and the status of mango industry in particular.The members were of the view that due to current prevailing climatic conditions, especially during the crucial flowering stages, mango orchards are reported to be infested by mango hopper and mango midges and are also infected by fungal diseases which could hamper good productivity. If such conditions persist longer, mango crop could be affected. The members were of the view that some areas under mango orchards and especially the young mango orchards have already been affected by the extremely cold weather conditions and frost during the early part of January this year.The meeting discussed the Mango Research activities by various agencies and departments in the country and were of the view that despite having admirable agri-scientists and departments the success in curtailing mango maladies have not benefitted the majority of small and medium mango growers. Members were of the view that there has been little or no respite in the fatal mango disease of “Quick Decline” and proposed a national Mango Quick Decline Eradication Program and ground research by selecting 8-10 acres of mango orchard in every “Qanogoie” (3-4 Union Councils) of mango growing tehsil to be readied on model research findings for growers to adopt.The members showed displeasure at the disjointed activities of various agencies (both local and foreign) and departments working for mango and desired concerted efforts for the development of Mango Industry under a unified command. They were of the opinion that mango growers associations and mango growers cooperative societies should be fully taken on board instead of squandering success and money on selective islands at their own.The members of the Mango Growers Cooperative Society Limited were distressed at the indifferent attitude of the Governments in addressing the looming disaster which could perpetuate due to water shortage for agriculture in the near future and demanded building of large water Large reservoirs for water and energy. The meeting demanded establishment of replicated energy and water resources by providing solar energy operated tube-wells for agriculture usage. The members of MGCSL were dismayed at the urbanization of fertile agriculture land and demanded that no housing colonies or industrial enterprises should be planned or allowed on mango orchards.The meeting was attended by Mian Fazal Hussain , Nasir Abbas Jafri, Malik Waqar Awan, Khizer Abbas Bukhari, Shahbaz Shah, Maj. ( R ) Zahid Ali Bukhari, Mehr Maqbool Jangla and Ansar Abbas.