SURAT: A few farmers in south Gujarat have begun growing organic mangoes, as this improves the tree's immunity against pests without using fertilizers or pesticides. These farmers believe organic mangoes will have easier access to new markets, even after the ban on import of Indian mangoes by the United Kingdom.
Organic farming assures farmers good returns with lower production costs. Organic products also have high demand. Farmers don't need to search for markets, as customers book in advance and buy produce directly from them.
Of the 57,000 hectares under mango cultivation in Surat, Navsari and Valsad, nearly 2,800 hectares are under organic mango farming, according to agriculture experts.
"My entire mango produce has been booked in advance. My regular customers find these mangoes the best in taste and quality. I had 250 mango trees earlier and have now planted 800 more. I don't use any fertilizers or pesticides," said Nilkanth Pandya, a farmer in Surat.
Pandya's customers book his crop in advance at Rs 1,500 per 20kg, which is almost double the price of the mangoes in the market.
"Organically grown mango plants have higher immunity against diseases and the output is also good," Pandya added.
Ramesh Patel, a certified organic farmer from Jokha village near Surat, said, "I don't need to go to the market to look for customers. People buy mangoes directly from my farm. And the price is higher compared to regular mangoes." Patel has 2,000 mango trees on his farm. These started giving fruits last year.
"Organic methods help improve the tree's immunity. It boosts microbial activity which keeps the tree in good health for a long period. Organic farming is gradually attracting farmers of the region," said Nikunj Patel, deputy director (Bagayat), Navsari.
Mahesh Patel, a farmer from Jokha village near Surat, is has 2,200 mango plants on his 10-acre farm. "Organic farming is also financially beneficial for horticulturists. It is better for the consumers' health too. More agriculturists are taking up organic mango farming now," said Mahesh.
"Farmers are getting good results from organic mango farming. It accounts for 5% of the total production in South Gujarat now," said J J Pastagia, programme coordinator of Krushi Vigyan Kendra of Navsari Agriculture University, Surat campus.
Organic farming assures farmers good returns with lower production costs. Organic products also have high demand. Farmers don't need to search for markets, as customers book in advance and buy produce directly from them.
Of the 57,000 hectares under mango cultivation in Surat, Navsari and Valsad, nearly 2,800 hectares are under organic mango farming, according to agriculture experts.
"My entire mango produce has been booked in advance. My regular customers find these mangoes the best in taste and quality. I had 250 mango trees earlier and have now planted 800 more. I don't use any fertilizers or pesticides," said Nilkanth Pandya, a farmer in Surat.
Pandya's customers book his crop in advance at Rs 1,500 per 20kg, which is almost double the price of the mangoes in the market.
"Organically grown mango plants have higher immunity against diseases and the output is also good," Pandya added.
Ramesh Patel, a certified organic farmer from Jokha village near Surat, said, "I don't need to go to the market to look for customers. People buy mangoes directly from my farm. And the price is higher compared to regular mangoes." Patel has 2,000 mango trees on his farm. These started giving fruits last year.
"Organic methods help improve the tree's immunity. It boosts microbial activity which keeps the tree in good health for a long period. Organic farming is gradually attracting farmers of the region," said Nikunj Patel, deputy director (Bagayat), Navsari.
Mahesh Patel, a farmer from Jokha village near Surat, is has 2,200 mango plants on his 10-acre farm. "Organic farming is also financially beneficial for horticulturists. It is better for the consumers' health too. More agriculturists are taking up organic mango farming now," said Mahesh.
"Farmers are getting good results from organic mango farming. It accounts for 5% of the total production in South Gujarat now," said J J Pastagia, programme coordinator of Krushi Vigyan Kendra of Navsari Agriculture University, Surat campus.
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