Rain leads to diseased orange crop

Shajapur, MP, Jan 30 (UNI) Excessive precipitation in Malwa region has led to an apprehension that production of oranges will be severely affected.

''The crop, spread over more than 14,000 acres, has been afflicted with a disease that makes twigs yellow and brittle leading to premature dropping of the fruit. The rainfall was a principal factor. The region received in excess of 1,800 mm as opposed to the crop's average requirement of 938,'' said scientist G R Ambavtia.

This district's delicious and high-quality oranges are in demand across the country. The fruit is sent to markets in Kanpur, Agra, Delhi, Jhansi, Mathura, Gwalior, Jaipur and Lucknow.

UNI