Disease and harmful pest attack on mango crop in Sindh, fear of production being affected

The Directorate General Agriculture Extension Sindh has expressed serious concern over the increasing incidents of mango diseases and harmful pest attacks, which is a direct result of changing climatic conditions. In particular, Anthracnose, Mango Hopper (Tella), and Thrips are causing considerable concern, with fears that mango production in various areas could be severely damaged.

In response to these developments, the Director General Agriculture Sindh today immediately formed and dispatched expert teams. These teams are now deployed in mango orchards across the province, tasked with closely monitoring the current situation and providing immediate, on-site guidance to farmers.

Agricultural experts have attributed the spread of these issues to several factors. They explain that rising temperatures and high environmental humidity create an ideal environment for fungal growth. Furthermore, inadequate cleanliness of orchards and delays in timely implementation of preventive measures after rain have been mentioned as significant contributing factors to the spread of these diseases.

Farmers have been strictly advised to immediately remove any visibly diseased parts of their trees. Continuous monitoring and regular observation of their plants are also crucial, enabling the timely deployment of preventive measures.

The Director General Agriculture Extension has reiterated the department’s commitment, stating that its field staff is continuously ready to assist and guide the agricultural community. Farmers encountering any symptoms of disease are urged to immediately contact their respective agricultural officer.