Fruit fly onslaught threatens orange, kinnow orchards in Multan

The escalation of fruit fly activity is causing significant concern in Multan as orchards, particularly those cultivating orange and citrus fruits, grapple with an aggressive infestation, leading to untimely spoilage and distress among local farmers.

Spanning across 40 thousand acres in South Punjab, the fruit fly onslaught has specifically targeted orange and kinnow orchards. The consequences are evident as fruits, endowed with ample calcium, are prematurely dropping, posing considerable challenges for orchard proprietors.

The gravity of the fruit fly invasion is not only causing hardships for the gardeners but is also predicted to result in a substantial reduction in annual yields. Agricultural experts are expressing worries about a potential 30 per cent decline in production due to the ongoing infestation. 

Despite the challenges faced by farmers, the counsel and direction provided by the Agriculture Department have proven ineffective in mitigating losses.

The heightened severity of the fruit fly infestation emphasises the urgent need for timely interventions. Farmers are recommending immediate actions, such as deploying pesticides or burying fallen fruits, to mitigate the impact of the fruit fly onslaught.

Gardeners underscored the imperative for the Agriculture Department to take proactive and concrete measures to shield citrus and orange fruits from diseases during the cold season.