Guwahati: In a significant push to revive the fading glory of Arunachal’s iconic orange, a one-day intensive training programme on “Production and Rejuvenation Practices of Arunachal Orange” brought together 56 enthusiastic farmers and orchard owners at Pampoli in East Kameng district.
Organised in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra East Kameng under the overall supervision of Dilip Ghosh, Director of ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, the programme aimed to tackle the pressing issue of declining orange productivity in the region. The programme was held on February 17.
Reviving Ageing Orchards
The focus was clear: restore ageing, unproductive orchards and equip farmers with modern, science-backed cultivation practices suited to East Kameng’s hilly terrain.
Manik Chandra Debnath, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK East Kameng, guided farmers through the management of major citrus pests and diseases.
Stressing the importance of timely spraying schedules, orchard sanitation, and preventive care, he encouraged growers to adopt integrated strategies rather than rely on reactive measures.
Soil First, Then Fruit
Highlighting the foundation of healthy orchards, Anil Kumar Pandey, Subject Matter Specialist (Soil Science), spoke on soil testing, correction of soil acidity, micronutrient balance, and the importance of organic manures and biofertilisers.
His message was clear: sustainable soil management is key to long-term productivity.
Adding technical depth, Evening Stone Marboh, Senior Scientist at the ICAR-CCRI Regional Research Centre for Citrus, Biswanath Chariali, delivered a comprehensive session on improved citrus production technologies.
From pruning and canopy management to nutrient scheduling, water conservation, and rejuvenation techniques for senile trees, farmers were introduced to practical solutions tailored for local conditions.
Learning by Doing
The training moved beyond lectures. Farmers participated in a live demonstration on the preparation and application of Bordeaux mixture — a crucial tool in managing fungal diseases in citrus orchards. Organic inputs were also distributed to encourage eco-friendly farming practices.
The programme concluded with a field visit led by W. Purnima Devi, SMS (Agronomy), where scientists interacted directly with growers in their orchards, demonstrating pruning methods, pest identification techniques, and nutrient management practices.
Farmers Respond with Optimism
Participants welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that the adoption of these scientific and sustainable practices would help restore the productivity and quality of Arunachal Orange — a fruit that remains both an economic lifeline and a cultural symbol for the region.
With coordinated scientific support and renewed farmer engagement, Pampoli’s citrus belt may well be on the path to a much-needed revival.