Training Program on Assam Lemon Cultivation empowers farmers in Arunachal, India

Assam, India: A training program titled “Good Agricultural Practices on Assam Lemon” was organized by the College of Horticulture & Forestry (CHF), located in Pasighat on Tuesday. The program saw the participation of approximately fifty-three farmers from Padu Ebeng village in the Upper Siang district. This initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Digital India Corporation under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India.

During the training program, Prof BN Hazarika, the Dean of CHF, provided the farmers with an overview of the scientific production technology for Assam Lemon. He focused on various aspects such as modern nursery management, planting methods, spacing, intercropping, integrated disease and pest management. Additionally, he encouraged the farmers to consider starting horticulture-based enterprises and forming Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs). Prof Hazarika also highlighted the favourable agro-climatic conditions in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, which are conducive to the proper growth and high yield of Assam Lemon.

He also explained that the main goal of the M4 agri project is to provide farmers with the right information at the right time. This project aims to empower farmers to make informed decisions that can improve their livelihoods. It does so by offering mobile-based agricultural advisory services in the local language.

Dr Lakshmi Dhar Hatai, the Head of Social Science at CHF, informed the farmers about the main focus and objectives of the project. They also shared the specific locations that will be covered under the project, namely Arik-Abik-Lunom. The project is being implemented in nine districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

Furthermore, Dr Hatai explained the economic aspects of Assam Lemon production to the farmers. They discussed the economic feasibility, costs, and potential returns associated with growing Assam Lemon. This includes topics such as lemon nursery seedlings and establishing an efficient marketing system for fresh lemon and value-added products. The aim is to enhance farmers’ income and ensure a sustainable livelihood for small and marginal farmers.

Vijay Saroh, an agricultural expert, along with the Field Manager of the Arik-Abik-Lunom project, Ojing Tayeng, and the Field Coordinator, Nung Tayeng, provided practical training on how to use the M4-agri and UMANG apps. They taught the farmers how to use these mobile applications effectively.