Why is it in the news?

• Kinnow growers in Punjab are anticipating losses this season due to delays in harvesting, with almost half of the 13 lakh tons of the crop still awaiting harvest.

 About Kinnow Farming

• During the early stages of growth, Kinnow trees require consistent moisture to establish strong root systems and promote healthy vegetative growth.
• Irrigation should be carried out regularly, ensuring that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• As Kinnow trees mature and reach the age of 3–4 years, their water requirements change slightly.
• Weekly watering helps to maintain soil moisture levels and ensures that the trees receive a steady supply of water, particularly during periods of low rainfall or dry weather conditions.
• Mature Kinnow trees, typically older than 4 years, have established root systems and are more resilient to fluctuations in water availability.
• However, they still require irrigation to support fruit development and overall tree health.
• Irrigation intervals for older Kinnow trees can be extended to 2–3 weeks, depending on various factors such as soil type, weather conditions, and the amount of rainfall.
• Flood irrigation, which involves applying water in large quantities and allowing it to flow freely over the soil surface, should be avoided in Kinnow farming. This is because flood irrigation can lead to waterlogging, where the soil becomes saturated with water, depriving the roots of oxygen and leading to root rot and other diseases.
• Additionally, flood irrigation can contribute to the spread of soil-borne pathogens and increase the risk of collar rot, which can negatively impact tree health and productivity.
• Instead of flood irrigation, drip irrigation or other efficient irrigation methods should be employed to deliver water directly to the root zone while minimizing water wastage and the risk of soilborne diseases.