JOIN USWith the mango season fast approaching, farmers in the taluk have put forth their unaccomplished demand to set up a fruit-processing unit and a horticulture college.
The taluk is well known for mango cultivation. Srinivaspur is considered the “mango bowl” of Karnataka.
Cultivation of mangoes is the major source of income for farmers here. The fruit is grown in 20,000 hectares in Srinivaspur taluk.
Beginning of problems
It may be noted that the mango farmers had to encounter a slew of problems since the beginning of the mango season due to a drop in flowering.
Their worries were compounded as large quantities of flowers withered due to off-season rain coupled with gusty winds in February. Adding to their woes is the exploitation by the mandi owners.
The taluk is known for its horticultural crops. The Hogalagere horticultural area is covered with wide range of fruit trees. The farmers feel that a fruit processing unit would help them to overcome any loss in the cultivation of fruits.
The unit would help in processing both mangoes and tomatoes. The process would extend the shelf-life of the fruits produced in the region.
They have also demanded to set-up a horticulture college and research centre in the interest of the youth in the taluk.
New lakes demanded
The other demands include construction of new lakes. New lakes should be constructed in the taluk to stop the rain water from flowing into the lakes in the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.
A canal in Upparapalli should also be developed to stop the water from flowing into the neighbouring states.
Balamma tank bund also should be strengthened. Silt in all the 344 tanks should be cleared.
Better power facility
The old wires supplying electricity should be replaced with new wires, thereby catering to efficient power supply. The Yarrakonda hill station should be developed into a tourist spot.