Madikeri: The tiny district of Coorg was once known for Coorg Oranges. In the 70s and the 80s, the district was the largest producer of mandarin oranges, but in the 90s the golden charm was lost as the plants started dying of disease.
                                                  Progressive orange grower Ponnachettira Suresh

But, this district is the land of warriors as well and the fighter spirit in the planters too was evident as the mandarin production area started swelling post 2000.

Thanks to the perseverance of the planters, which was ably backed by the Horticulture Department and the National Horticulture Mission. Planted as sub-crops in the coffee estates, the citrus fruits brought a fame of different level to the district. Fighting difficulties hundreds of planters availed various facilities provided by the departments to sustain the mandarin cultivation and these efforts have yielded results.

Progressive orange grower Ponnachettira Suresh, a native of Ibnivalavadi near here is a role model for many. After procuring two harvests a year from his plantation successfully, this mandarin man had inspired many growers to emulate the model of cultivation. Suresh says that Coorg orange has its own brand name in market for its sweetness and is also always in demand.

“Coorg oranges have an advantage. With two harvests, they are almost available throughout the year, which is not so in case of Nagpur oranges, that are available only during October,” he says adding that the cost of the fruit dips to Rs 30 per kg during October (due to arrival of Nagpur oranges) while it remains anywhere between Rs 60-70 per kg during other months.

The mandarins that were grown on 1320 hectares in 2013-14 is now being grown in 1550 hectares. The Horticulture Department had supplied 80,000 orange saplings last year, which contributed to the growth.

State horticulture

Horticulture Department Additional Director Paramashiva says that the department provides subsidy of about Rs 16,000 per acre to the growers for new plantations to boost the cultivation of mandarin oranges.

The mandarin oranges are grown in about 1,000 hectares in Chikmagalur district with yield of about 19,500 tonnes. Hassan grows mandarin in 550 hectares with yield of 12,600 tonnes, Gulbarga produces about 75,000 tonnes.