KANGKU, Sep 27: A two-day training programme on scientific litchi cultivation and litchi-based integrated farming systems was organised at Kangku in Lower Siang district on September 24 and 25.
The programme on “Establishment of Litchi Orchards in North-Eastern Hilly Regions, Scientific Management and Litchi-Based Integrated Farming System” was organised by the ICAR-National Research Centre on Litchi (NRCL), Muzaffarpur, in collaboration with the College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University (I), Pasighat, with support from the Kangku Circle Development Committee.
Kangku ZPM Jumken Bole attended the programme as chief guest, while ICAR-NRCL Senior Scientist Dr Shamsher Singh was the guest of honour and a resource person. Dr Senpon Ngomle and Dr Y Disco Singh of the College of Agriculture, CAU (I), Pasighat, also served as resource persons.
The technical sessions covered orchard establishment and management, scientific cultivation practices, nutrient management, plant protection and litchi-based integrated farming systems.
Practical demonstrations on scientific planting, training and pruning of litchi plants were conducted to provide farmers with hands-on knowledge. A diagnostic field visit was also organised, during which experts interacted with farmers, identified field-level problems and provided technical guidance.
A total of 122 farmers from 25 villages participated in the programme. As part of efforts to promote litchi cultivation in the region, 8,800 quality litchi planting materials were distributed among farmers with support from ICAR-NRCL.
The programme provided a platform for farmer-scientist interaction and dissemination of scientific production technologies. The Kangku Circle Development Committee supported farmer mobilisation and facilitated the programme.
The initiative is expected to promote scientific litchi cultivation, orchard development, farm diversification and livelihood enhancement in the region.