In a bid to enhance horticulture production and promote sustainable farming practices, the Department of Horticulture in Tawang organized a one-day farmers training cum workshop on the cultivation of exotic walnuts. The event took place at Zomkhang hall and was sponsored under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
During the event, Deputy Commissioner Kanki Darang addressed the farmers, emphasizing the importance of growing horticulture products and implementing scientific methods to enhance the quality and quantity of fruits. He encouraged educated youths to take a leading role in marketing these products and urged farmers to establish self-help groups to engage more people in this field. Furthermore, Darang highlighted the government’s focus on the “one district, one product” initiative, stating that Tawang district has great potential for walnut production. He also emphasized the significance of timely pruning for improved fruit quality in crops such as kiwi, apple, and orange, sharing his personal farming experience.
District Horticulture Officer Safior Rahman, in his speech, informed the farmers that the state government, under the “one district, one product” mission, has adopted walnut cultivation in Tawang district. As part of this initiative, the government has provided over fifty thousand exotic walnut saplings of different varieties, which have already been distributed to the farmers. Rahman explained that the imported walnut saplings from Turkey have already started bearing fruit. However, he emphasized that removing the fruits borne in the first two years is essential for better yield and the long-term health of the plants. Unfortunately, the expected presence of an expert walnut farmer from Turkey was hindered by technical difficulties.
After the inaugural session, subject matter specialists from KVK Tawang and resource persons from the Agriculture and Veterinary departments interacted with the farmers. They provided technical guidance and addressed the queries raised by the farmers, further enhancing their knowledge and skills in walnut cultivation.
