CSIR-IHBT team visits Manipur to promote low-chilling apples

A team of scientists and project associates from the CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bio-resource Technology (IHBT), Palampur, recently visited Manipur to monitor ongoing research on low-chilling apple and aromatic crops. The visit, covering Imphal, Haraorou, East Imphal and Hiyangthang villages, combined scientific review with intensive farmer training sessions.

The experts conducted hands-on workshops on orchard management, pruning, nutrient application and cultivation techniques specific to low-chill apple varieties suited for Manipur’s agro-climatic conditions. Farmers also received training on aromatic crops, including demonstrations of essential oil extraction and integration of these plants into traditional farming systems.

Dr Sudesh Kumar Yadav, Director of CSIR-IHBT, told mediapersons that the projects are funded by the Department of Biotechnology under the Himalayan Bio-resource Mission. “The focus is to promote low-chill apple in non-traditional areas of the Northeast, expand acreage under aromatic crops, strengthen value addition, and create farmer awareness,” he said.

Dr Rakesh Kumar, Chief Scientist and Principal Investigator of the project, added that more than 50 farmers participated in the training. “We covered practical aspects such as orchard establishment, scientific pruning and nutrient management to ensure farmers can adopt best practices in the field,” he noted. The team also inspected demonstration plots laid out on about 20 acres, including those at the BRIC-Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development farms. These serve as living models for climate-smart horticulture practices that can be replicated across the region.

By diversifying traditional farming with apples and aromatic crops, the initiative aims to boost farmer income and agro-industrial value in Manipur, creating new opportunities for livelihood generation while ensuring sustainability.