Citrus farmers in Arunachal Pradesh will now get a better chance to increase their livelihood opportunities as they will now be getting right information at the correct time.

The project "Arik Abik Lunom -Mobile Based Agro Advisory Services" project in Arunachal Pradesh is aimed at providing right information at right time and empowering the farmers in taking informed decisions to enhance their livelihood through mobile based agro advisory services in local dialect. The project is being implemented in nine districts of Arunachal Pradesh viz. East Siang, West Siang, Upper Siang, Lower Siang, Lepa Rada, Lower Dibang Valley, Namsai and Shi Yomi districts.

A training was organised for 59 farmers under the ’ which is implemented by the College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University, Pasighat in collaboration with Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.

The programme was held in East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday.

Resource persons explained to the farmers about the treatment and scientific management of citrus trees for increase in quality yield for better marketing and profit by the farmers.

During the training, farmers were explained about the scientific method of cultivation of citrus and management of citrus decline especially, Khasi mandarin.

Researches have revealed that in northeastern region 42 insect species are found to have major pest status in the mandarin and other citrus species cultivation aggravating the citrus decline problem.

Among the Citrus crops available in northeastern region, Khasi mandarin is the most economically important one and plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of the people in this region. Khasi mandarin is well known for its quality, fruit colour, unique sugar-acid blend and shelf life which make it the most popular citrus cultivar in northeastern region of the country.

Citrus fruits are high in demand for all age groups, as it is a great immune booster and provides natural antioxidants. Processing of citrus can make it available for off-seasons by increasing its shelf life and can be marketed in ready-to-eat forms.

College of Horticulture and Forestry ( CHF) , Central Agricultural University, Pasighat Dean Dr. B. N. Hazarika and agro-associate (horticulture) Navya Vishweshwar Bhat imparted the training.

The programme was coordinated by CHF associate professor Dr. Saroj Kumar Pattanaaik, CHF, CAU, Pasighat department of Natural Resource Management Assistant Professor Dr. Punabati Heisnam and was attended by GS Naksa Perme of Ayeng village.

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