Farmers turn to Kiwi farming for economic sustainability

Dimapur, Jan. 27 (EMN): An exposure trip-cum-training on “scientific cultivation practices of Kiwi fruit for increasing the income of farmers in Tuensang district,” was organised by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Tuensang, to Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh from January 18-24. The training was organised in collaboration with the office of district horticulture officer, Lower Subansari district, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and jointly sponsored by Eleutheros Christian Society (ECS) and NABARD.
The main objective of the programme was to train farmers on scientific and improved cultivation practices of Kiwi fruit and also to get an exposure on the innovative technologies practiced by the Kiwi farmers at Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh. It also aimed at helping the farmers in scientifically setting up their Kiwi orchards to enhance their income in days to come.

Dr. Tasso, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Protection), KVK, Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh; Pura Obing, horticulture development officer (HDO), Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh; and Dr. Shisarenla Aier, Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture), KVK, Tuensang, were the resource persons of the technical sessions.

Experts having vast experience in Kiwi cultivation for over 18 years deliberated on the scope and importance of Kiwi cultivation, site selection, layout and planning of Kiwi orchards, selection of right variety (male and female), pruning practices and organic management of disease and pest in Kiwi orchards. The farmers also witnessed activities such as land preparation, digging of pits, different types of trailing systems, compost making, winter pruning etc. being carried out by the progressive kiwi farmers at Ziro during field visits.

The farmers also visited M/s Lambu-Subu food and beverages, manufacturer of the first organic Kiwi wine factory in India, located at Hong village, Ziro, AP.
Altogether 12 farmers from Chendang and Konya villages of Tuensang district along with one official from KVK, Tuensang, and two members from ECS attended the programme. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Shisarenla Aier.