Farmers in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district recently participated in a full-day workshop focused on cultivating exotic walnuts. The workshop, organized by the Horticulture department and sponsored under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), aimed to provide valuable training and insights to the local farmers.
The workshop commenced with an address by Tawang DC Kanki Darang, who emphasized the significance of expanding horticulture products and adopting scientific methods to improve both the quality and quantity of fruits. Darang urged educated youths to play an active role in marketing these products and encouraged farmers to form self-help groups to foster collaboration and inclusivity.
Highlighting the government’s initiative of promoting one specific product in each district, Darang expressed his belief in Tawang district’s potential for excelling in walnut production. He stressed the importance of timely pruning for fruits such as Kiwi, Apple, and Orange, which ultimately leads to higher-quality harvests. Drawing from personal farming experience, Darang shared insightful tips with the attending farmers.
The District Horticulture Officer, Safior Rahman, also addressed the farmers and informed them that the state government had selected walnut cultivation as the primary focus for Tawang district under the one district one product mission. As part of this initiative, over fifty thousand exotic walnut saplings of various varieties had already been distributed to the farmers. Rahman explained that although the exotic walnut saplings from Turkey had started bearing fruits, it was advised to remove the fruits from the first two years to ensure better yield and long-term plant health. Although the expert walnut farmer from Turkey couldn’t attend due to technical issues, subject matter specialists from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Tawang and resource persons from the agriculture and veterinary departments engaged with the farmers during the technical session, addressing their queries and providing valuable insights.
The workshop in Tawang district served as a crucial platform for empowering local farmers and equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to cultivate exotic walnuts successfully. The efforts made by the Horticulture department, in collaboration with the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), are instrumental in promoting horticulture as a viable sector in Arunachal Pradesh.
The presence of Tawang DC Kanki Darang during the workshop further highlighted the government’s commitment to agricultural development in the region. By encouraging educated youths to participate in marketing horticulture products, Darang aims to drive entrepreneurship and create opportunities for the younger generation.
Moreover, the government’s focus on promoting one district one product strategy plays a significant role in leveraging the unique characteristics and resources of each region. By designating walnut cultivation as the chosen product for Tawang district, the government aims to capitalize on the district’s potential for producing high-quality walnuts. This targeted approach fosters specialization, increases productivity, and ultimately contributes to the economic growth of the region.
The engagement of subject matter specialists from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Tawang and resource persons from the agriculture and veterinary departments further enriched the workshop. Their expertise and insights provided invaluable guidance to the farmers, addressing their concerns and queries related to walnut cultivation.
Overall, the workshop on cultivating exotic walnuts in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district marks a significant step forward in promoting horticulture and empowering local farmers. The emphasis on scientific methods, collaboration through self-help groups, and the distribution of exotic walnut saplings demonstrate the government’s commitment to transforming the agricultural landscape and fostering sustainable growth. Through such initiatives, Arunachal Pradesh’s farmers can unlock their full potential and thrive in the ever-evolving horticulture sector.