Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has urged Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to conduct more research in agriculture and horticulture sectors.
“Production of mandarin orange in the Wakro area in Lohit district has been a major setback to the farmers and it was something which could not be contained by the agriculture and horticulture departments till date,” Mein said.
“Not enough research work has been done to control the decline of orange production,” he added.
“More research needs to be carried out by the KVK or ICAR in this regard,” said Mein, at Chongkham.
He was there to attend the inaugural function of a workshop on Entrepreneurship Development cum Input Distribution Programme at KVK, Momong.
Extending the full support of the government in terms of infrastructure development to the KVK and ICAR, Mein, however, said that he is more interested to see that benefits go to the farmers.
Mein at the same time also lauded the agricultural extension works carried out by the KVK, Namsai in the district.
He further suggested developing a demonstration plot of tropical fruits in the KVK complex and also to endorse the large scale cultivation of Khamti Rice and King Chilly, which have high demands in the market.
He further informed that an ‘auction centre and wholesale mandi’ will be established in the district so that the entire area becomes a hub for promotion and augmentation of agricultural activities and marketing of agricultural produces.
This, he said will benefit not only the farmers of Namsai but also of the entire eastern region.
Earlier, Mein inaugurated and visited an exhibition stall put up by Namsai Organic Spices and Agriculture Product Producer Company Limited which is promoted by the Spice Board of India.
He also released a publication of technical bulletins and newsletters by KVK, Namsai and gave away certificates to quality seed grower trainees besides distributing critical inputs to ABI members and progressive farmers.
Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute Zone VI, Guwahati director, Dr A K Tripathi, ICAR RC NEH Region joint director, Dr N Prakash and KVK Namsai senior scientist and head, Dr Manish Kanwat also spoke on the occasion.