Double trouble: Hailstorm, pests put Kangra’s mango crop at risk

Following a severe hailstorm that lashed parts of the lower Kangra region earlier this month, mango orchards are now under threat from mango-hopper, a sap-sucking insect that could cause extensive damage if timely protective measures are not taken.

Mango, an alternate-bearing but crucial cash crop in the region, had raised hopes of a bumper harvest this season. However, the recent inclement weather has not only disrupted flowering and fruit-setting but also created ideal conditions for mango-hopper infestation, leaving many growers anxious about their yields.

According to scientists at the Regional Horticulture Research Station (RHRS), Nurpur, the mango-hopper is a small insect that targets young shoots, flowers and fruiting stems. As it feeds, it secretes a sticky substance called honeydew, which encourages the growth of sooty mould on leaves and fruits. This mould hampers photosynthesis and renders the fruits unmarketable. In severe cases, the pest causes flower panicle drop and premature fruit shedding.

Vipon Guleria, Associate Director at RHRS, warned that if left unchecked, mango-hopper infestations could significantly reduce fruit yield and compromise tree health. “The unseasonal rain and moisture have created favourable conditions for the pest’s growth. However, growers should not panic. By following our guidelines and acting promptly, the crop can still be saved,” he said.

Progressive farmers like Krishan Heer, Upinder Singh and Sudarshan Sharma shared their proactive approach to tackling the threat. “We’ve already applied the recommended insecticides in our orchards and urge other growers to stay alert and adopt scientific methods to protect their crop,” they said.

Meanwhile, the RHRS has issued an advisory for the management of subtropical fruits. To combat mango-hopper, growers have been advised to spray Imidacloprid at the rate of 50 ml per 200 litres of water. For litchi crops, Dimethoate (200 ml in 200 litres of water) should be sprayed in the last week of May. Additionally, horticulture experts have advised citrus growers to maintain soil moisture by irrigating every 10 days and applying a 20 cm thick dry grass mulch to conserve water in the summer heat.

Mango is cultivated over 11,000 hectares in lower Kangra and plays a pivotal role in the rural economy. A field visit to Suliali and Khajjian gram panchayats revealed that some progressive growers, having applied the spray in time, have managed to shield their orchards from damage. However, many small and marginal farmers are still in need of timely intervention. The recent hailstorm has also severely impacted mango crops in some areas, causing losses of up to 90 per cent, further compounding the concerns of local fruit growers.