Medziphema, February 4 (MExN): Fruit growers were trained on advanced fruit production technologies to enhance productivity, improve fruit quality and ensure sustainability in the face of climate change during a day-long programme organised by the ICAR–All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Fruits, Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus.
The training was conducted under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) programme at Biesumpuikam village in Peren district on February 4.
The programme was organised under the guidance of the Project In-charge, Prof. C. S. Maiti, and featured lectures and demonstrations by resource persons Dr. Animesh Sarkar, Associate Professor, and Dr. Kuruba Ajay Kumar, Assistant Professor.
During the training, Dr. Animesh Sarkar delivered a detailed lecture on pineapple cultivation. The session covered favourable climate and soil conditions, field preparation including ploughing, preparation of planting material, planting systems such as the paired row system, spacing, application of manures and fertilizers, weed management, mulching and harvesting techniques. Practical demonstrations were also conducted to enhance farmers’ understanding of the practices discussed.
Dr. Kuruba Ajay Kumar explained special cultural practices in banana cultivation, including bunch feeding and bunch covering, as well as banana special products aimed at improving fruit quality and yield. He also discussed major diseases and pests affecting banana, including Sigatoka leaf spot and rhizome weevil, supported by photographic illustrations for better understanding.
Subsequently, both resource persons discussed problems associated with litchi, banana, mango and pineapple cultivation. They highlighted major issues such as fruit cracking, fruit drop, infestation of stink bugs and mites, and explained the litchi rejuvenation procedure. The experts also addressed farmers’ queries related to other fruit crops, including citrus granulation, a physiological disorder caused mainly due to phosphorus and zinc deficiency and irregular irrigation practices. Awareness was also created on the issue of citrus decline and its management.
At the conclusion of the programme, the village chairman expressed gratitude on behalf of the 30 participating farmers for organising the training. One woman farmer and three male farmers actively participated in the question-and-answer session, contributing to the interactive nature of the programme.
Special thanks were also extended to Aroro Nguillo for active participation in farmer mobilisation and management of support activities.
