Impact of Mango Orchard Diseases on Growers Economic Life in Ahmedpur East, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Current study investigated the mango orchard diseases and its impact on mango growers in Ahmedpur East. Four sample areas i.e. Mehrab Wala, Shahi Wala, Muhabbat Pur Mor and Dera Nawab Sahib were selected and data has been gathered through structured questionnaire using random cluster sampling method. Total 90 mango growers were interviewed. Results indicated that main mango orchard diseases were Die back (48.9%) and Malformation (34.5%). Dust storms (52.2%) were the leading environmental factor damaging mango orchards. Major losses of growers were less profit (41.1%) and less amount of production (36.7%). About 26.6% small growers earned the income of 100,000-200,000 PKR and 47.8% growers earned 200,000-400,000 PKR. Mango losses greatly reduced growers income as 26.6% were faced the losses of 20,000-25,000 PKR and 47.8% were 50,000-70,000 PKR annually. Due to these losses 25.6% growers were facing difficulties of proper household management, 23.3% were troubled to fulfill domestic and social needs. Therefore 70% growers were adopted alternate source of earning where chief source of earning was personal business (49.3%). To minimize the losses of mango orchard diseases it was suggested; use of modern methods of mango plantation, provision of sufficient water, adopts agricultural experts opinions, use of sprays and fertilizers etc.