BAGRA, 7 Sep: A team of scientists from the ICAR Arunachal Pradesh Centre, Basar, in coordination with the West Siang KVK, visited various pineapple gardens in the Bagra area in West Siang district to assess the health and management of pineapple plantations and provide technical guidance to farmers.
The team comprised fruit science senior scientist Dr Thejangulie Angami and Assistant Chief Technical Officer (T-7/8) from ICAR AP Centre, Basar Dr Gerik Bagra, accompanied by KVK Head Dr Manoj Kumar, horticulture specialist Dr Akshay, and programme assistant (soil science) Dr Wangnem Rekhung from the KVK.
The diagnostic field visit was conducted at the request of the All Bagra Welfare Society, as farmers in the area are increasingly shifting from traditional household-level pineapple cultivation towards commercial-scale production in response to growing market demand.
The team advised the farmers to adopt scientific management practices, including proper field sanitation, nutrient management and regular monitoring of pest and disease incidence. The scientists also suggested integration of leguminous crops as intercrops in pineapple gardens.
The team collected soil samples and pineapple fruit samples from different gardens for further laboratory analysis and diagnosis. The analysis will help assess soil nutrient status and identify the causative organisms associated with the observed symptoms, enabling appropriate scientific recommendations for maintaining healthy plantations and improving the quality and productivity of pineapples.
