Amaravati, March 25, 2026: Flowering has ended and small fruits have set in Kadapa district orchards. Farmers now expect better returns as they wrap unripe mangoes in covers to shield them from fruit-borers, flies and fungal attacks.
The district has about 1,500 hectares under mango cultivation. Last season, repeated pesticide sprays failed to control damage and raised costs sharply. Officials now promote covers as a cheaper, more effective option.
Each hectare needs roughly 15,000 covers. With a 50 per cent government subsidy, farmers pay about ₹30,000 upfront per hectare and receive half back.
Growers report healthier trees and anticipate fruits to mature in the coming weeks. District Collector Sridhar Cherukuri said the administration is committed to turning Rayalaseema into a strong horticulture region through timely support and modern practices.
