Diagnostic Team Field visit to Rice, Cotton, Citrus and Dragon fruit in Gurrampodu and Chandur (M), Nalgonda District on 31-10-2020

Extensive Diagnostic Team Field visit along with Agriculture and Horticulture Department officials was conducted in field crops Rice, Cotton, Sweet Orange and Dragon fruits in villages Jinnaichintha, Venkatapuram and Lakkineyigudem Gurrampodu and Chandur Mandals respectively in Nalgonda district on 31.10.2020. It is interestingly noted in rice crop that no or very low incidence of BPH observed in all varieties, almost escaped the pest problem mainly due to heavy down pour and great relief to all farmers. But moderate to severe incidence of Panicle mite and False smut was observed. Farmers were advised to take suitable recommendations for control of pest and diseases. In Cotton in Chandur (V & M) after post heavy rains and prevailing dry weather condition the incidence of Boll rot, leaf spot, Pink Boll worm and sucking pest complex was observed to moderate and advised suitable remedial measures. Farmer Sri. Damodar Rao, Venkatapuram (V) has shown interest and cultivating the Dragon fruit as new crop with the assistance of Department of Horticulture. After 18 months of duration the farmer successfully getting returns with available market linkages and shown as model to Fellow farmers to choose new fruit crop according to present stake holders. Visited Sweet orange budded on Jambheri root stock bearing orchard grown in calcareous and shallow soils and observed multiple problems such as micro nutrient deficiencies, root rot, die back disease. Even though the land is not suitable the farmer is showing interest and putting effort in maintaining the orchard in good condition by taking special interest with drip system and application of combination of chemical fertilizers with organic manures and biofertilizers plus Trichoderma viridae culture. Advised to spray Arka Citrus special @ 5 g / L water to correct the micro nutrient deficiencies. Under the leadership of Dr. M.A. Aariff Khan, Programme Coordinator cum Team Leader, KVK, Kampasagar, the other Scientists Dr. M. Shankar, Dr. T. Bharath, T. Himabindhu, KVK, Kampasagar, Sri. G. Narendar, DAATTC Coordinator cum Coteam Leader, DAATTC - Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Sri. Madhushekar, Sri. Madhav Reddy, MAO, Gurrampodu, Chandur, Sri Mallesh AEO, Mrs. Saritha, Local MPP, Jinnachintha, Progressive Farmers and other Fellow farmers all together 25 participated in field visit.