Fruit Flies killing oranges in Lum, Horticulture officials explain

MANGAN, 26 Dec:  The Horticulture Department North Sikkim has explained that Fruit Fly was behind the decline in orange production in Lum village of Dzongu. The Lum oranges, famed for being the sweetest grown in the state, have seen a nearly 70% fall in production this year.
Joint Secretary Tshering Pintso Bhutia, Horticulture Deptt North clarified that fruit drop is caused by the fruit fly which usually reproduces 200 times during its life cycle of 40 days.
Awareness cum training on control measures of fruit drop of orange crop was held here at Sanabung in Lower Dzongu, North Sikkim on 24 December by the Horticulture & Cash Crop Development Department North District in coordination with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and IPM Cell Gangtok.  The Deputy Director Horticulture North, SR Bhutia conducted the training focussing on the orange fruit drop of Lum.
During the technical session, the Deputy Director IPM, KK Pradhan imparted training on the cause of fruit drop due to physiological, pathological and entomological factors and also informed about proper treatment of saplings with the application of organic manure and other technical methods of farming.
An open discussion was held where the villagers requested for the provision of irrigation.
Project Coordinator, TT Bhutia informed about proper disposal of fruit drops after the application of prescribed medicines to control the spread of fruit fly.  He further stressed that fallen fruits should be collected within 48 hours and dumped in the tank provided by the KVK.
Likewise, Inspector Horticulture, Dup Tshering Kazi gave tips on the use of pheromone tray in orange tree for killing the fruit fly. Meanwhile, the Joint Director informed about the immediate provision of water pipe to the villagers.
Villagers from Lum, Sangtok, Tareng and Sagyong villages of Lower Dzongu along with the ward panchayat Sangtok ward Lhamzey Lepcha and ward panchayat Tareng attended the function.
The function ended with the vote of thanks delivered by ward Panchayat Lum, Tshering Gyatso Lepcha.