April 30, 2008	Wednesday	Rabi-us-Sani 23, 1429

KHAIRPUR, April 29: The mango and lemon orchards in seven UCs of taluka Faiz Gunj, including Pakka Chang, Karondi, Bhango Behin, Kot Lalu, Akri Chowdagi, Razaabad, Kandyari have suffered a virus attack.

Reports said that due to the virus attack unripe mangoes and fresh lemons were dropping from trees whereas insects had spoiled the leaves of mango and lemon trees.

The growers sprayed the trees with pesticides but all in vain.

The fruit traders are purchasing the crops on lower rates fearing that the production would be less due to the virus attack on mango and lemon orchards.

Farmers, namely Mohammad Shar, Mir Hassan, Riaz Khaskheli and Allah Bux told reporters on Tuesday that the white insect had completely spoiled the mango and lemon orchards.

They said that the virus attack was a result of shortage of irrigation water as they could not irrigate their orchards properly.

They added that after the attack of virus, the contractors have lowered their biding rates of the crops.

They alleged that when they visited the agricultural offices, the officials there neither gave them any suggestions to control the virus attack nor did they provide any required pesticide.

They demanded of the government to send agriculture experts in fields for their help.