Unique initiative for flood prone mango orchards in Valsad: Office of Deputy Director of Horticulture imparted scientific training to more than 120 farmers

The district administration has taken important initiatives to rehabilitate mango orchards damaged by heavy rains and floods in Valsad district in the month of July. More than 120 farmers were given hands-on training on rejuvenation of mango trees and scientific restoration of orchards at the Centre of Excellence for Floriculture and Mango at Chanwai by the office of Deputy Director of Horticulture under the guidance of district administration. The training was attended by District Agriculture Officer, Deputy Director of Horticulture, Project Director (ATMA) and officers and employees of the Horticulture and Agriculture Department. In addition, mango cuttings prepared in the nursery of the Centre of Excellence and Department of Horticulture were made available to the affected farmers under the 'At Source Assistance Scheme'. A special team of agricultural scientists and departmental officers has also been deputed to visit the affected mango orchards and provide continuous guidance. During the training, agricultural scientists from Agriculture Experimental Centre, Pariya Dr. Chirag R. Patel, Dr. Dr. Nirav Gajre and Dr. Dr. Ashish Patel gave detailed guidance on the management of damaged mango trees, pest control, pruning, nutrient management and scientific method of rejuvenation of orchards. Various techniques were also explained to the farmers through live demonstrations. District Development Officer Atirag Chaplot said that Agriculture Minister Jitubhai Vaghani, during his visit to the flood-hit areas, personally studied the situation of the farmers and instructed them to take immediate help. Under his guidance, this training has been organized so that the farmers can guide themselves as well as other farmers to save mango orchards. He said that the State Government is committed to provide all possible help to the farmers.