Maharashtra Government to Establish Mango Board for Boosting Hapus Cultivation in Konkan
The new mango board aims to support farmers with insurance, production enhancement, and pest control, addressing long-standing challenges in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts.
The Maharashtra state government has decided to establish a mango board in the Konkan region to support large-scale Hapus mango cultivation, particularly in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. This decision comes after nearly a decade of requests from mango farmers. The board will focus on areas such as insurance, production enhancement, pest control, and research.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde emphasized the need for modern farming practices and research into organic farming and effective pesticides. Mango farmers have faced challenges, including a 15% drop in production this season and damage from thrips disease over the past 15 years.
Farmers are also seeking resolution for crop insurance issues and a research center in Devgad. Additionally, the government has begun depositing over ₹8.50 crore directly into the accounts of mango farmers as part of ongoing support. A task force will be formed to address pest damage and enhance mango production, with experts from agricultural institutions involved.