Horticulture training in Kohima to boost orange and banana cultivation

A one-day capacity building programme focused on orange and banana cultivation was held at the office of the District Horticulture, Kohima, for Livelihood Beneficiaries (Batch-II) from Mima village under the Community Conservation Area initiative on July 29. The training was organised as part of the Forest and Biodiversity Management in the Himalayas project, Kohima Forest Division.
Resource person Mhasizotuo Yashu, Horticulture Inspector, conducted demonstrations on the safe use of organic fertilizers, emphasizing proper mixing techniques to ensure nutrient absorption and pest resistance. He noted that orange cultivation requires high maintenance, and highlighted grafting as an efficient method—bearing fruit within 3 to 4 years—compared to seed-based growth, which takes 5 to 7 years. Cost comparisons of saplings were also outlined, with grafted ones priced between Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 and seed-grown saplings around Rs. 20. Demonstrations on banana cultivation were also conducted, and participants were advised against pesticide use due to the village’s beekeeping practices. Organic fertilizers were recommended to support healthy crop growth.
Assistant Horticulture Officer R. Chumben Patton advised maintaining an 18-feet gap between orange trees and suggested adopting half-moon terracing for slope plantations to enhance water retention and reduce soil erosion. He further encouraged top cutting after 5 to 6 months for healthier growth, and emphasized proper pit dimensions and the use of local manure for successful crop establishment. Orange saplings and organic fertilizers were distributed during the training, which saw participation from 48 members of Mima village.