The practice of citrus canopy management is proving to be an effective solution in preventing the orange trees from dying in Norboogang Gewog in Pema Gatshel. At one time, farmers in the gewog were disappointed with the decreasing yield of orange as the trees died.
Orange has been one of the main cash crops for the people of Norboogang Gewog for decades.
Orange growers in Norboogang saw an improvement in the growth of the trees after adopting citrus canopy management. The practice requires the farmers to prune the orange trees.
“I have carried out canopy management for around 10 trees. I am hoping the trees will grow well after pruning,” said Nima Rinzin, from Laishingri in Norboogang Gewog.
The farmers have been receiving hands-on training on orchard management from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests for the past two years. This year too, they are being trained in canopy and nutrient management of citrus by the officials from the ministry.
“The training is really helpful. The problem with orange trees is the roots start growing like that of potatoes. So we were taught during the training to dig a hole near the tree and fill it with manure and weeds and to water it. Doing so really helps trees grow better,” said Sonam Phuntsho, from Nyingshingborang in the same Gewog.
They are also seeing an increase in the yield after citrus canopy management practice. They are now seeking further support from the government.
“The water dries up during the first, second and third month of the Bhutanese calendar because of intense sunshine. So we would be thankful if the government could provide us with water supply during that period to spray in the orchard,” added Sonam Phuntsho.
“Officials told us that trees don’t get enough nutrition as the soil doesn’t contain many nutrients. Even fruits are dropping from the trees because of it. But we cannot do much and we have very little knowledge of what to do,” added Nima Rinzin.
Today more than 300 households own orange orchards in Norboogang Gewog. Each household used to earn a minimum of Nu 100,000 annually in the past. There are more than 500 households in the gewog.
Thinley Dorji
