Encouraged by the success of its pilot apple cultivation project in Mizoram, a pioneering endeavor in the Northeastern States, scientists from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) are embarking on an ambitious plan to expand the cultivation of high-revenue, low-chilling fruit crops in the region, aiming to enhance the income of local communities and reduce carbon footprints associated with fruit transportation, as emphasized by Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Senior Principal Scientist from CSIR’s Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT) in Palampur, tasked with spearheading apple cultivation.
Reflecting on the success, Dr. Rakesh Kumar stated, “Our experiment, involving the planting of the low-chilling apple variety in 2022, has yielded positive results.” This success has spurred scientists to pursue more initiatives, supported by local enthusiasm for apple cultivation as a sustainable agricultural practice and a response to climate change threats.
“We have identified potential cultivation locations in Mizoram and collaborated with Mizoram Science Technology and Innovation Council (MISTIC) in Aizawl and the College of Horticulture in Thenzawl, Mizoram (CAU, Manipur),” added Er Mohit Sharma, a Chemical Engineer and Principal Scientist involved in Mizoram initiatives.
A recent visit to Mizoram by the team involved monitoring the growth of aromatic plants and low-chilling apple varieties, alongside conducting training programs at various locations, including the College of Horticulture, as mentioned by Dr. Rakesh Kumar.
The region holds promise for low-chilling apple types such as Anna, Dorset Golden, and Sun Fuji, which require significantly fewer chilling hours compared to traditional varieties, making them suitable for Northeastern climates, explained Dr. Kumar.
Dr. Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director of CSIR-IHBT in Palampur, highlighted apple cultivation as one of the projects supported by the Department of Biotechnology under the Inter-Institutional Programme, alongside initiatives promoting Shiitake and Oyster mushroom cultivation and high-value aromatic crops.
In villages like Khanpui in the Aizawl district, scientists are actively engaging with local apple farmers, providing training on cultivation techniques, nutrient management, and irrigation methods, aiming to equip farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills for successful low-chilling apple cultivation, as shared by Dr. Davy Lalruatliana, senior scientific officer of MISTIC.
Source: www.dailypioneer.com/