TAFRALIANG, 14 Sep: Pasighat (E/Siang)-based College of Horticulture and Forestry (CHF) organised an 'input distribution programme on high-value fruit crops' here in Anjaw district recently, under the Centre for Fruitful India, Alliance Bioversity project titled 'Nurturing Ecological Sustainability and Tribal Livelihoods through Innovative and Climate-smart Fruit Tree Systems in NEHR of India'.

The programme was coordinated by CHF Assistant Professor Dr PK Nimbolkar, CHF Associate Professor Dr SM Lokhande, and ArSRLM Hayuliang Block Mission Manager Ashen Chaitom, along with his team.

The programme was organised under the CFI Mission to promote diversified fruit development through the cultivation of nutritionally rich, high-value and climate-resilient fruit crops.

An awareness-cum-technical training programme was conducted on scientific fruit production, covering site selection, planting, nutrient management, pest and disease management, orchard maintenance, and post-harvest practices.

Addressing the participants, Dr Nimbolkar emphasised the importance of quality planting materials and improved horticultural practices for enhancing productivity, farm income and livelihood security, while ensuring access to nutrient-rich fruits for improved health and nutritional security.

Three SHGs and more than 50 farmers participated in the programme, and over 1,000 quality planting materials of dragon fruit, banana, pineapple, jackfruit and plum were distributed to support the establishment of diversified fruit-based farming systems.

Plantation activities were undertaken in farmers' fields and at the Government Middle School, Tafraliang, to promote fruit cultivation, environmental conservation and awareness on the health and nutritional benefits of fruits.

CHF Dean Dr L Wangchu also spoke.