Mon Jul 14 14:54:46 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and rewritten news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
A joint initiative between the ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) and TNAU’s Agricultural College and Research Institute at Kilvelur is underway to identify saline-tolerant mango varieties for the Nagapattinam region. This research is crucial due to rising sea levels and saline water intrusion threatening mango production in the Cauvery delta. The long-term study involves screening various mango varieties for resilience to salinity and aims to develop saline-tolerant rootstocks. The goal is to improve mango production, a significant contributor to the local economy, through advanced technologies, training for farmers, and making Nagapattinam a hub for mango production.
**News Article:**
**Saline-Resistant Mangoes: A Hope for Nagapattinam’s Coastal Farmers**
*Nagapattinam, July 14, 2025* – A pioneering research initiative is underway in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, to combat the growing threat of saline water intrusion on mango production. The ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, and TNAU’s Agricultural College and Research Institute at Kilvelur have joined forces to identify and cultivate mango varieties capable of thriving in saline-affected soils.
Rising sea levels are increasingly impacting agriculture in the Cauvery delta, particularly in districts like Nagapattinam, known for its unique off-season mango flowering. The collaborative project focuses on screening over 15 mango varieties for their tolerance to coastal salinity. These trials are being conducted across three locations, where saline groundwater conditions prevail.
“We are conducting a long-term study aimed at identifying varieties that can withstand and thrive under saline stress. The most resilient will be promoted among farmers as rootstocks,” explained Dr. M. Sankaran, Principal Scientist at ICAR–IIHR. The selected rootstocks will then be grafted with high-yielding commercial scions to maintain productivity.
Mango cultivation is a significant agricultural activity in Nagapattinam, covering 2,385 hectares and producing 16,600 tonnes annually. The Vedaranyam block, in particular, benefits from a unique microclimate that allows mangoes to bear fruit during the off-season, fetching higher market prices.
The initiative extends beyond research. Farmers are receiving hands-on training in integrated pest management, nutrient management, flowering induction techniques, and the use of mechanized harvesters. The institute has also developed technologies for boosting yield and health, including ‘Mango Special’.
“With improved agronomic practices and the adoption of advanced technologies, farmers can significantly enhance productivity,” said G. Ravi, Nodal Officer at Kilvelur Agricultural College. The overarching goal is to transform Nagapattinam into a science-driven center for mango production, enhancing climate resilience and boosting rural incomes for farmers in the region.
The project represents a crucial step towards securing the future of mango cultivation in the face of climate change and saline intrusion, providing a sustainable livelihood for farmers in Nagapattinam.
First Piper 