Question : DISEASE IN POMEGRANATE

(a) whether the Government has reports of problems being faced by the Pomegranate producers due to `Mar` and `Telya` disease in different parts of the country including Maharashtra;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government/ Agricultural scientists are providing any assistance to such producers to tide over the situation;

(d) if so, the details thereof; including funds allocated for this purpose;

(e) if not, the reasons therefor; and

(f) the details of other steps being taken to assist the Pomegranate producers to improve the productivity and quality of their produce?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. Among known diseases, Telya (bacterial blight) alongwith Mar (wilt) are major problems faced by Pomegranate growers in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra. The spread of disease is associated with lack of proper orchard management practices and prevalence of pre-disposing environmental conditions during the last three years.

(c) to (e): Government has sanctioned a special package on Good Management Practices (GMP) under which financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 4434.12 lakhs and Rs. 5549.00 lakhs during 2007-08 and 2008-09 respectively was provided to bacterial blight affected pomegranate areas in these three States. Further, a network project has been sanctioned with components of surveillance, demonstration, training and creation of awareness through demonstration in the farmers` field.

(f):
(i) The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has provided `Orchard Health Management Schedule` to mitigate these diseases.

(ii) The National Research Centre set up at Solapur on 25th September, 2005 has already developed a comprehensive technology for the management of `Telya` and other diseases which is demonstrated in major pomegranate growing areas in the country.

(iii) Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore has helped in standardization and demonstration of technologies against `Telya` disease.