Dear Editor,
Developing an orchard, particularly that of kinnow, is a cumbersome process. Waterlogging is very injurious to the citrus root system. It has badly affected the ‘Tahli’ trees in that area. Waterlogging in that area is because of seepage from canals and the flood-irrigation method adopted for orchards and other crops.
Attacks of phytophthora, anthora and anthraimose in citrus orchards are directly related to over-irrigation, leading to citrus decline followed by uprooting of orchards. Influential farmers normally resort to cuts in canals/Rajbahas to irrigate their orchards. This practice is not only unlawful but also damaging to kinnow orchards. Flooding leads to leaching and percolation of costly nutrients and some weedicides, thus polluting the underground water. Horticulturists have recommended the modified basin system of irrigation for young plantations and segment irrigation of mature orchards. No farmer has adopted this practice.
To learn the judicious use of irrigation water, the government should take farmers on a Gujarat tour, where farmers make 1-2 Marla segments. If farmers seriously resort to 4-5 segments per acre for crops and mature orchards, a check on waterlogging and citrus decline shall be seen within three to four years.
Save water, save orchards.
K. K Sharma
via-e-mail