Adoption of latest technologies and farm mechanisation, maintenance of hygiene in farm and natural measures to control pests and birds’ menace will make horticulture crops a profitable business.
Farmers should shift to highly remunerative horticulture crops like hybrid pomegranate, fig, and anona instead of producing traditional crops like mango, sapota and amla to tap potential fruit market and increase income.
These recommendations were made at a workshop on area development scheme on ‘Pomegranate and sheep and goat rearing’ here on Thursday.
Progressive farmer Juileo of Pattiveeranpatti said that natural control measures to check entry of birds and squirrels will prevent loss of fruits. Display feed and water in a plate on bird antennas in farm will prevent squirrels and birds from destroying fruits. Buffer planting will also prevent entry of birds. The farm should be clean and neat and hygienic to protect trees from diseases.
“High-density planting will increase disease owing to high humidity condition in Dindigul.”
Another progressive farmer Moorthi of Kodaikanal said Maharashtra stood first in the country in pomegranate production. It cultivated export quality pomegranate on 98,000 hectares. In Tamil Nadu, the total area was less than 500 hectares. Drip irrigation with fertigation will minimise water use and better nutrient use and shade net prevent bird attack. Hybrid saplings were available only in Maharashtra. One tree would give 100 to 150 fruits a year. Each fruit will weigh around 350 gram. Banks should be flexible and liberal in lending and pay special attention to motivate small and tiny farmers, he appealed.
NABARD District Development Manager L. Sanjivi said that agro-climatic conditions in Coimbatore, Dharmapuri, Dindigul, Erode, Krishnagiri, Namakkal, Tirupur and Salem were suitable for pomegranate cultivation.