JOIN USRs 73.51 lakh for revival of Coorg oranges
With this, the centre has approved the action plan of Rs 402 lakh for boosting cultivation of horticulture crops in the district. District Horticulture Department has received permission for growing banana, pepper, pineapple, cocoa and cashew along with oranges.
With the interest of planters shifting towards coffee from oranges let to the decline of Coorg orange. If the situation continues, Coorg oranges will go into the pages of history within few years. In this regard, Horticulture Department has taken up the task of
protecting the Coorg oranges.
Horticulture Department Assistant Director Divya said that at present department has set a target of expanding the orange cultivated area to 490 hectare in the district.
“As many as three lakh saplings have been cultivated in the department nursery and steps have been taken to distribute the same. In Madikeri taluk 90 per cent saplings have been distributed while distribution is going on at Somwarpet and Virajpet,” he said.
Subsidy
A total of Rs 120 lakh has been earmarked for extending pepper to 600 hectare, Rs 16 lakh for extending banana plantation to 95 hectare and Rs 75 lakh has been earmarked for revival of areca.
Planters who have grown banana saplings can avail subsidy of 50 per cent per hectare, with maximum of Rs 22,500. First year Rs 16,875 will be given as monetary aid and in second year, if 90 per cent of the saplings survive, then the remaining sum will be given.
Monetary aid of Rs 15,000 will be given for revival of areca plantation hit by yellow leaf disease. This includes removal of affected trees, planting new trees, application of fertilisers (organic, chemical, bio fertilisers) and comprehensive management of diseases.
Likewise, monetary aid of Rs 32,500 can be availed for pineapple. The subsidy will be released in 75:75 ratio over two years. Pineapple and banana planters who have newly ventured into the field can avail this facility. A planter can apply for this benefit only if the saplings are above three months old.
Even cocoa and cashew will be given subsidy in 60:20: 20 ratio over three years.
40 pc subsidy
Monetary aid has been extended for post planting activities too. Subsidy of 40 per cent will be extended for processing unit, packing unit, and refrigeration unit, informed the Assistant Director.