The ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute (CCRI), Nagpur, ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes (ATARI) Zone VI & Zone VII, in collaboration with the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Meghalaya, successfully organized a two days National Workshop on Revitalizing Citriculture in North-East India on October 3^rd and 4^th, 2024 at the NEDFi Convention Center, Guwahati. The workshop aimed to address challenges in citriculture, exploring technological solutions and formulate strategies for enhancing citrus production in the region.

One of the key highlights was the recommendations of six new sweet orange varieties specifically identified for cultivation in the North-East by ICAR-CCRI, Nagpur. The workshop also saw the release of several research publications focusing on citrus farming. In addition, a landmark MoU was signed between ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI, and ACCESS Development Services, New Delhi, to promote rural entrepreneurship, improve supply chain management, increase farmers’ incomes, and facilitate technology transfer for rural entrepreneurs, micro and small enterprises (MSEs), producer business enterprises (PBEs), farmer producer companies (FPCs) and societies.

Chief Guest Dr. K.M. Bujarbaruah, former Vice Chancellor of Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat, emphasized the need to align technological solutions for Citriculture, aligning with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. He called for harnessing the region’s genetic biodiversity to improve the shelf life, productivity and sustainability of citrus in the North-East. He stressed the importance of integrating trial-tested technologies into the local farming landscape.

During the inaugural session, Dr. G. Kadirvel, Director, ICAR ATARI, Zone VI, welcomed attendees and highlighted the vital role citrus plays in the biodiversity of the North-East. He emphasized the potential of rural entrepreneurship in transforming the region’s agricultural economy through awareness and strategic intervention.

Dr. Dilip Ghosh, Director of ICAR-CCRI, Nagpur, delivered the keynote address, noting that citrus productivity in the North-East lags behind the rest of India due to factors like poor-quality planting materials, lack of awareness, and inadequate processing facilities. He revealed that ICAR-CCRI, Nagpur plans to distribute quality planting materials in Biswanath Chariali district of Assam district to boost citrus production.

Shri Loken Das, Chief General Manager of NABARD, assured full support for implementing schemes that address the challenges faced by farmers, including the development of fruit orchards and tackling citrus tree mortality issues.

Shri T.P.Bhusal, Secretary (Agriculture) and Director (Horticulture)  stressed that scientists should be involved in the policy making. Their expertise fosters public trust and promotes evidence-based approaches, enhancing the quality of legislation and regulatory frameworks.

During the programme, the organizers felicitated Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor of Central Agricultural University, Imphal. Dr. Mishra emphasized on the collaborative efforts for revitalizing the citrus sector.

The workshop featured presentations from eminent scientists; brainstorming & panel discussions which provided insights on key topics such as Citrus Variety and Planting Material Production, Citrus Production, Protection and Rejuvenation, and Post-harvest Management, Processing, and Agribusiness Development.

The valedictory function was graced by Dr. V. K. Mishra, Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya as Chief Guest. In his speech, he puts focus on enhancing citrus production in regions like Northeast India requires strategies such as soil testing and appropriate variety selection.

More than 170 participants have attended the workshop which includes Scientists, Academicians, Extension Personnel, KVKs, officials from Horticulture departments of the North Eastern states and Scientists from ICAR-CCRI, Nagpur, ICAR ATARI, Zone VI & Zone VII.

The workshop aims to come up with a comprehensive action plan for holistic development of citrus sector in NE region which will be implemented through a collaborative effort by all stakeholders.

(Source: ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI & VII and ICAR-CCRI, Nagpur)