Lobom Tamin
The State Horticulture Farm (SHF), Shergaon, established in 1977–78, has emerged as an important centre for temperate fruit cultivation, scientific horticultural practices and agricultural innovation in Arunachal Pradesh.
Located in West Kameng district, the farm serves as a model orchard for farmers and demonstrates the immense potential of horticulture in promoting sustainable livelihoods and rural prosperity.
Taking advantage of the region’s favourable climatic conditions, the farm cultivates more than 40 varieties of apples, alongside other temperate fruits such as plum, peach, pear, cherry, walnut and persimmon. It also produces quality fresh fruits and true-to-type planting materials while generating revenue through the sale of fruits, vegetables, planting materials and other farm produce.
The farm received special attention during the visit of Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik on July 25, 2026. During the visit, the Governor highlighted the importance of integrated horticultural development in enhancing farmers’ incomes, strengthening food security and contributing to a self-reliant and prosperous Arunachal Pradesh.
Emphasising the region’s immense agricultural and horticultural potential, the Governor called upon farmers, entrepreneurs and youth to actively participate in the state’s journey towards sustainable development and the vision of Viksit Bharat. He encouraged the adoption of natural farming practices to improve soil health, enhance sustainability and increase farmers’ incomes while preserving the environment.
The Governor also commended the dedicated efforts of the farm management in promoting scientific horticulture and sustaining high-quality fruit cultivation. Interacting with farmers, horticulturists and officials, he stressed the need to transfer modern scientific methods, innovative farming practices and advanced technologies from research farms to villages. He encouraged young people to view horticulture not merely as a source of livelihood but also as an avenue for entrepreneurship, innovation, value addition and employment generation.
During the visit, the Governor was briefed on various scientific orchard management practices, including recommended cultivation techniques, insecticide spray schedules, fruit management and the use of anti-hail nets for crop protection.
One of the notable demonstrations was the technique of top-working, in which a mature Red Delicious apple tree was grafted with eight different apple varieties. The technique involves grafting new scion wood onto an established tree to introduce different varieties or modify its existing characteristics. The demonstration showcased the application of scientific horticultural practices for varietal diversification and improved orchard management.
Modern technology is also being explored to enhance the efficiency of horticultural operations at the farm. Drone technology was demonstrated during the Governor’s visit, highlighting its potential for crop monitoring, precision spraying and efficient farm management. Such technological interventions can help optimise resource utilisation, reduce unnecessary chemical application, minimise labour-intensive field inspections and improve worker safety, particularly in difficult terrain.
Alongside its scientific activities, the farm has undertaken initiatives to improve its aesthetic and recreational appeal. A landscaped plantation featuring plum and peach trees has been developed to enhance the visual appeal of the premises. Sunflower and cosmos have also been intercropped to provide seasonal floral displays while the fruit plants mature.
The farm has further strengthened its scientific infrastructure through the construction of a tissue culture laboratory under the RE 2021–2022 programme. However, the laboratory is yet to become operational due to a shortage of technical manpower. During the financial year 2025–26, tissue-cultured blueberry and apple plants for mother stock, along with apple varieties for rootstocks, were procured from Himachal Pradesh as part of efforts to strengthen planting material resources.
The farm’s revenue performance reflects its contribution to agricultural activities in the region. During the financial year 2025–26, it generated revenue of Rs 22,02,900, registering an increase of Rs 6,03,090 compared with the previous financial year, 2024–25.
With its diverse collection of temperate fruit varieties, emphasis on scientific cultivation and demonstrations of modern agricultural technologies, the State Horticulture Farm, Shergaon, continues to serve as an important resource for horticultural development in Arunachal Pradesh. Strengthening technical infrastructure, addressing manpower shortages and extending scientific farming practices to local farmers could further enhance its role in crop diversification, income generation, youth entrepreneurship and sustainable rural development.
(The writer is District Library & Information Officer and also looking after charge of District Information & Public Relations Officer, West Kameng).