PASIGHAT, May 30: The College of Horticulture and Forestry (CHF), Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Pasighat, successfully organized a Field Day Programme on ‘Litchi Cultivation in Mebo, East Siang District’ under the sponsorship of the AICRP on Fruits, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru.
The programme commenced with a visit to a litchi orchard established by progressive farmer Riju Megu of Mebo village. The orchard was developed using quality planting materials (Muzaffarpur cultivar) procured from CHF, Pasighat in 2019. The plantation has now reached the economic bearing stage, showcasing healthy growth and promising fruit production.
During the field interaction, Dr L Wangchu, Dean CHF, highlighted the importance of adopting Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) and Drip Irrigation Systems for sustainable and profitable litchi cultivation. He also discussed major challenges affecting litchi production, including litchi bugs, mites, trunk borers, and fruit cracking, while providing practical solutions and management strategies to the participating farmers.
Dr Barun Singh, Head, Department of Fruit Science, along with Dr N Devachandra and Dr C Mukhim, Assistant Professors elaborated on scientific harvesting techniques, maturity indices, and other recommended good agricultural practices essential for enhancing fruit quality and productivity.
Dr PK Nimbolkar, Asstt Professor, Dept of Fruit Science and Co-Principal Investigator, AICRP on Fruits, appreciated active participation of the farming community and emphasized the importance of such extension activities in promoting modern horticultural practices.
The programme served as a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building in litchi cultivation in the region.