HAYULIANG, 11 Aug: The Anjaw Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) here conducted a two-day field monitoring and survey programme on 9 and 10 August in Kaho, Kibithoo, Musai, Dong, Chota Kundan and Bada Kundan vibrant villages under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) project.
The survey was conducted to monitor the performance of horticultural interventions and assess the establishment and growth of high-value fruit crops distributed to tribal farmers for livelihood enhancement.
Under the TSP initiative, the KVK had distributed quality planting materials of kiwi, plum, and pomegranate to selected farmers of the vibrant villages. The intervention aims to promote diversification towards high-value horticultural crops, improve farm income, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for tribal farming communities in the remote border areas of Anjaw district.
During the field monitoring visits, the KVK team inspected the established orchards and assessed plant survival, growth and general field conditions. The fruit plants, approximately 1.5 years old, were observed to have healthy and vigorous vegetative growth at the farmers' fields.
During interactions with the farmers, KVK horticulture specialist Satveer Yadav provided technical guidance on scientific orchard management. He emphasised the importance of proper pit preparation and planting, timely irrigation, regular weeding, nutrient management, training and pruning, orchard sanitation, and integrated pest and disease management for maintaining healthy and productive orchards.
Special emphasis was given to the potential of kiwi and plum cultivation in Anjaw district, where suitable climatic conditions at appropriate elevations provide opportunities for successful commercial cultivation.
The farmers were encouraged to utilise suitable land for establishing scientifically managed fruit orchards as a long-term source of income and livelihood security.
The KVK said it will continue to provide technical guidance and field-based support to the beneficiary farmers for the successful establishment and management of kiwi, plum and pomegranate orchards, with the broader objective of promoting high-value horticulture, enhancing farmers' income, and strengthening livelihood opportunities in the vibrant villages of the district.
