Shillong: Apple is one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world. Thanks to the favourable agro-climatic conditions of the North Eastern Region, low chilling Apple varieties have great potential. In order to tap the opportunity, the North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Society (NERCRMS), Shillong, has taken the initiative to introduce and promote apples in the region. The initiative was launched in the year 2018 with the financial support from the North Eastern Council (NEC), Union Ministry of DoNER.

The initiative received an overwhelming response from the farming community as well as from the various government and non-government agencies. Based on the success, the North Eastern Council (NEC), Union Ministry of DoNER, continued their support and launched the second phase of the project Promotion of Low Chilling Apple Plantation in NER of India in the year 2020-21.

 The NERCRMS, in collaboration with the Ziro Valley Charity Mission Society (ZVCMS), Arunachal Pradesh, organised a capacity building programme on the management of apple orchard and distribution of organic fertilizer and bio-pesticides in the ZVCMS Office in Lempia, Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh. Accordingly, 23 beneficiaries were identified from various Community Based Organizations (CBOs). They were trained on the scientific use of organic fertiliser and pesticides to enhance the quality of their harvest.

Hibu Dante, Horticulture Development Officer, Ziro, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, presided over the training programme as the resource person. Dante applauded the initiative of NEC, MDoNER, GoI, in empowering the farming community of Ziro. He stated that the training has been beneficial for the CBO members in developing their skills and competencies required to start micro-enterprises. /BI/