Nagpur: Spain, a tiny country in terms of size in comparison to India which is almost seven times bigger than the European country, produces 10 times more good quality oranges per hectare. Despite having low quality land, the farmers there have adopted scientific techniques of farming and reaped rich harvests not just in oranges but also in other fruits also.
These were some of the insights shared by Spain-based citrus consultant Ramon Navia, who was on a Vidarbha tour recently. Navia conducted a few workshops in the region and demonstrated scientific farming techniques to orange growers. He was invited by MahaOrange, a body of orange growers, and his trip was facilitated by Spain-based Tradecorp International and Dhanashree Agro Industries, Pune.
MahaOrange director Shridhar Thakre said, “While we produce 7-8 tonnes of oranges per hectare, in Spain it is anywhere between 70-80 tonnes. Lack awareness about scientific farming techniques makes all the difference.”
Pointing out basic differences in the farming scenario in India and other countries, Thakre said, “Cultivators outside India don’t begin farming without conducting appropriate tests. We don’t have any lab. MahaOrange has been demanding for a laboratory since long. However, nothing has been done in this regard.”
As pointed out by Navia, leaf analysis is important. By using pruning technique, farmers of Spain have reaped significant yield in grape and pomegranate also. “By conducting a pruning trial, Navia discussed how branches should be cut slant and should not be allowed to grow beyond 7-8 foot, whereas in India we don’t prune the branches at all,” said Thakre. Indian growers have 110 plants per acre, but in Spain farmers plant 250 saplings per acre, he added.
The major factor that affects the output is fertilizers. In India, farmers prepare a schedule for fertilizers without scientific basis. Navia taught which fertilizer should be given and when. This can only be determined after analysis. Navia also discussed the role of micronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and iron. “We have only one variety of Nagpur’s orange, but more should be introduced, the expert advised. MahaOrange will strive to further this knowledge by arranging demonstrations and bringing awareness,” said Thakre.
The Spaniard also addressed over 500 farmers at Tiwasa Ghat in Warud taluka apart from visiting an orange farm in Hatla village in Katol for a workshop.
