A capacity building on horticulture with special focus on orange and banana cultivation held in Kohima on July 29.
Kohima, July 29 (MExN): A one-day capacity building on horticulture with special focus on orange and banana cultivation was organised at the Office of the District Horticulture Kohima on July 29. The training was organised for Livelihood Beneficiaries (Community Conservation Area) of Mima village (Batch-II) under the Forest and Biodiversity Management in the Himalayas Nagaland, Kohima Forest Division.
Speaking as the resource person, Mhasizotuo Yashu, Horticulture Inspector, gave a demonstration on the safe application of organic fertilizers, which are essential for protecting the overall health and growth of plants. He also stressed on the importance of appropriate mixture of fertilizers and water, thus allowing the plant to absorb the nutrients and prevent insect attack.
Highlighting about orange cultivation, Mhasizotuo Yashu said that orange is a highly efficient and exhaustive crop which requires high maintenance. He also demonstrated on raising oranges via grafting adding that through this process, the tree will bear fruit within 3 to 4 years, however, trees grown through grafting has shorter juvenile phase and added that planting orange through seeds will bear fruit after 5 to 7 years.
Talking about the value of saplings, he said that saplings grown through grafting may cost around 50 to 100 rupees per sapling, while saplings grown from seeds may cost around 20 rupees per sapling. He also gave a demonstration on banana cultivation, with correct use of organic fertilizers to ensure proper growth.
He also encouraged the participants not to use pesticides as the village is known for bee keeping practices. He however said that fertilizers which are organic will help in the growth of orange plantation.
Meanwhile, R Chumben Patton, Assistant Horticulture Officer, stressed that for orange cultivation, 18 feet gapping has to be maintained for its proper growth and maintenance. Observing that most of the orange plantations are being taken up under slope condition, he emphasised the participants that they should opt for half moon terracing, which will improve water retention, reduce erosion and boost crop productivity. He also encouraged on cutting the top portion of the orange tree after 5 to 6 month of planting, to promote good health. He also maintained that ensuring proper pit size for plantation along with local manures is vital for successful establishment and productivity of plants.
During the training, orange saplings and organic fertilizers were also distributed to the community members. Altogether, 48 participants from Mima village took part in the training.
