SHERGAON, Sep 20: Horticulture Minister Dr Mohesh Chai on Monday visited the apple orchard at the government horticulture farm here in West Kameng district and took stock of the farming activities being carried out in the property.
The government-run apple orchard here is one of the largest in the state, where more than 42 different varieties of apple are grown. Besides apple farming, the centre also grows a variety of nuts, berries and Paris polyphylla, popularly known as jungli katchu.
Dr Chai said efforts would be made to turn the farm into an agro-tourist hotspot. He said the state government is laying special focus on the agriculture and horticulture sectors as the sectors have immense potential for generating self-employment.
“The officers of various departments must work proactively for effective implementation of agriculture- and horticulture-related schemes that have a greater potential of creating self-employment avenues,” the minister said.
He called upon the youths of the area and the state to take advantage of the agriculture- and horticulture-related schemes launched by the state and central governments.
Responding to a memorandum submitted by the local farmers for construction of a market shed in the township to sell their produce, the minister assured that the matter would be looked into soon.
Horticulture Secretary Mimum Tayeng, Agriculture Director Anong Lego, Horticulture Director J Rime, Veterinary Director NB Minto, WRD SE T Lego, public leaders and HoDs accompanied the minister during his visit.
Earlier on Monday, the minister visited the regional sheep breeding farm in Sangti valley, and the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and the regional apple nursery in Dirang.
Meeting with KVK officials, Dr Chai stressed on the need to develop more market linkages, so that the local farmers could sell their produces at remunerative prices. The minister also asked the KVK to organize more buyer-seller meets and come up with farmer-centric schemes and technologies.
At the regional apple nursery, the minister enquired about the progress of the schemes being taken up by the nursery.
