HAWAI, Aug 25: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Anjaw conducted a three-day field monitoring and survey programme from August 22 to 24 in the Vibrant Villages of Trampa, Abohagam, Kalamna and Tegamna under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) Project.
The programme aimed to assess the performance of horticultural and livestock interventions implemented by KVK Anjaw and evaluate the establishment, growth and management of high-value fruit crops and piggery units supported under the project.
As part of the TSP initiative, KVK Anjaw had distributed quality planting materials of kiwifruit (cv. Allison) and plum (cv. Santa Rosa), besides Hampshire piglets, to selected beneficiary farmers in the identified villages. The interventions were aimed at promoting diversification of existing farming systems through high-value horticulture and scientific piggery farming.
During the field visits, the KVK team inspected kiwifruit and plum orchards and piggery units established by beneficiary farmers. The team assessed plant survival, vegetative growth, orchard management practices, field conditions and the management of piggery sheds. The fruit plants were found to have established well and showed healthy vegetative growth under the prevailing agro-climatic conditions.
The piggery intervention also showed encouraging results. The performance of crossbred Yorkshire-Hampshire pigs over a 10-month period indicated that some beneficiaries obtained an average of eight piglets per farrowing cycle. The piglets were reportedly sold at around Rs 4,500–5,000 each after 60 days, with an average weight of 12–13 kg, generating a gross income of approximately Rs 36,000–40,000 per cycle under traditional housing and feeding systems. Five piggery units continue to operate successfully at Kalamna village under Chaglagam circle.
During interactions with farmers, Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture) Satveer Yadav provided guidance on scientific orchard management. He stressed that successful commercial fruit production requires not only quality planting material but also proper site selection, pit preparation, irrigation, weeding, nutrient management, training and pruning, orchard sanitation and integrated pest and disease management.
SMS (Land and Water Management Engineering) Ugarsain Sangwan provided guidance on protected cultivation, efficient land and water management and nutrient management. He also demonstrated terracing in a mandarin orchard to promote soil and water conservation on sloping land and improve input-use efficiency and productivity under hill conditions.
Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Anjaw, Dr Debasis Sasmal, urged beneficiary farmers to follow recommended scientific practices for managing fruit orchards and piggery units. He emphasised regular care and maintenance of the assets provided under the TSP Project to ensure sustained economic benefits for farming households.
Dr Sasmal also encouraged farmers to remain in regular contact with KVK scientists for technical guidance and timely solutions to field-level challenges.
The field monitoring programme reaffirmed KVK Anjaw’s efforts to promote diversified, climate-suitable and sustainable livelihood opportunities among tribal farming communities in the remote border areas of Anjaw district.