Farm Registration for Organic Certification of Mango Orchards Key to Boosting Exports: Telangana Horticultural University VC Dr. Danda Raji Reddy
Hyderabad, December 18, 2024
Dr. Danda Raji Reddy, Vice-Chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University (SKLTSHU), emphasized the need for registering mango farms for organic certification to enhance both export potential and domestic market opportunities. Addressing 250 progressive farmers as the chief guest at a program organized by the Department of Horticulture in collaboration with APEDA, NHB, SKLTSHU, and Prasad Seeds, he advocated for adopting integrated pest and disease management practices to minimize pesticide usage and promote organic cultivation of mangoes.
Dr. Raji Reddy stressed the importance of developing mango value chains to reduce post-harvest losses and urged farmers to follow the University’s recommended “calendar of operations” for producing high-quality mangoes. He advised farmers to avoid relying on pesticide dealers and instead benefit from climate-resilient technologies developed by the University. To ensure effective outreach, he suggested creating a WhatsApp group comprising the 250 participating mango farmers, where University scientists could provide timely advice during the mango season. He also directed the scientists to promptly respond to farmers’ queries to support timely operations.
Dr. A. Bhagwan, Registrar of SKLTSHU, addressed farmers’ concerns, recommending irrigation from January 10 onward and the application of 13-0-45 fertilizer and boron to ensure a good fruit set.
The program witnessed active participation from officials and experts, including Smt. Viziendira Boyi, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate of Mahabubnagar District; Sri R.P. Naidu, AGM, APEDA; Sri Ravi Laxmigudi, PPO, Plant Quarantine Station, Hyderabad; Sri S.K. Sharma, Deputy Director, NHB, Hyderabad; Sri N. Kumara Swamy, Advisor, TGSOCA, Hyderabad; and Dr. Suchitra, Principal Scientist and Head, Fruit Research Station, Sangareddy.
The event was held as part of the Cluster Development Programme, with Prasad Seeds serving as the implementing agency.
