Centre's Cluster Development Programme to foster the mango belt in Lucknow & nearby areas

In a bid to increase the potential of mango cultivation in the state, the mango belt in Lucknow and nearby areas will be developed as a mango cluster. This development programme will be operated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture. Under this programme, the government will encourage prudent use of chemicals and the adoption of improved varieties of mango, among other things.

Over 20,000 hectares of orchards to be covered

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Under the central government's Cluster Development Programme, the mango belt in Lucknow and adjoining areas, including Malihabad, Unnao and Rae Bareli, will be developed. This move has been initiated with the aim of improving the earning capacity of farmers and increasing the potential of mango cultivation in the state.

This programme will also promote the welfare of farmers as the government will focus on creating necessary pre-production, production and post-production harvest infrastructure, improve international competitiveness, provide a commercial angle to production and increase exports.

Covering more than 20,000 hectares of mango orchards under this programme, the government will ensure that the quality of the product is maintained. Government shall ensure that improved varieties of mangoes are adopted, integrated pest management is practised and proper storage facilities are available.

Moreover, technology will be used to enhance the efficiency of orchard management by systematising the entire process of grading, processing and packaging. Apart from these facilities, this scheme will also introduce capacity building programmes to train farmers so that they can make the best out of this development scheme.

-With inputs from IANS