Over 3 lakh coconut trees to be surveyed in Mandya, says DC

Deputy Commissioner Kumar said a scientific survey will be conducted by the Horticulture Department in areas where coconut farms are affected by black-headed caterpillar and whitefly infestation in Mandya district.

Speaking at a meeting in Mandya on Monday, Dr. Kumar said that coconut is a major crop in the district, covering 74,731 hectares. Maddur, K.R. Pet, and Nagamangala are among the taluks with the highest area under coconut cultivation. During the summer, black-headed caterpillar and whitefly infestations are more prevalent, with Maddur taluk being the worst affected this time, he said.

The Deputy Commissioner said that it has been planned to conduct the survey in 1,428 villages, and examine over 3,01,822 coconut trees. As many as 200 enumerators have been appointed and trained for the survey, he added.

Dr. Kumar appealed to farmers to cooperate with the survey teams and provide accurate information. The officials of the Horticulture Department will also visit the fields to create awareness about preventive and control measures to tackle the pest menace, the Deputy Commissioner added.