21 December2024, New Delhi: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone VI, in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Arunachal Pradesh, organized a workshop today in Anini, Dibang Valley, on “High Altitude Temperate Horticulture: Challenges and Opportunities in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.” The workshop aimed to promote temperate horticulture to boost income and employment for tribal farmers in high-altitude areas. It brought together policymakers, scientists, and progressive farmers to discuss challenges, opportunities, and strategies for cultivating high-value crops like kiwi, persimmon, walnuts, chestnuts, and others, including off-season cultivation and seed production under protected conditions.
The Chief Guest, Dr Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor, CAU, Imphal, highlighted the pivotal role of KVKs in bridging the gap between research and practical implementation and emphasized the importance of sustainable practices in ensuring high-altitude horticultural development in the region.
Mr. Mopi Mihu, MLA, 41-Anini, cum Advisor to the Minister of Civil Aviation, Tourism, Mines & Minerals, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh, highlighted the importance of mobilizing progressive farmers and offering adequate guidance to unlock the full potential of temperate horticulture. He underscored the transformative impact this sector can have in improving rural livelihoods.
Mr. Pagli Sora, Deputy Commissioner, Anini, spoke about government initiatives such as the Atma Nirbhar Krishi Yojana (ANKY) and the Vibrant Village Programme, elaborating on their role in promoting pest and disease management, adapting to climate change, and fostering organic cultivation and agro-tourism.
Earlier, Dr G. Kadirvel, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI, underscored the immense potential of horticultural crops in places like high-altitude regions of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim and the need for leveraging the livelihood options of the local population.
Mr. Dani Yube, Director, Dept of Agriculture, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh; Mr. Tana Teti, Joint Director (MCP), Govt of Arunachal Pradesh; Mr. Tumken Angu, Deputy Director (PP), Dept of Agriculture, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh; and Mr. T.D. Neekom, Director, Agri Marketing & State Nodal Officer (SNO) for KVKs, Directorate of Agriculture, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh, along with other senior officials, graced the occasion.
The workshop included technical sessions where renowned scientists from ICAR institutes and agricultural universities shared potential technological interventions and extension models to transform temperate horticulture. The discussions tackled issues raised by farmers, such as pest management, marketing challenges, and the impacts of climate change while providing practical solutions to enhance horticultural productivity and sustainability.
Farmers and agri-entrepreneurs also actively participated in the workshop.
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