Bishnu Rana

TEZU, Jun 8:Aneesha F1 hybrid variety of watermelon which thrives in favourable sub – tropical climatic condition has proved its sustainability and growth here at the Govt. Horticulture Nursery Tezu in Lohit district which has been the first experiment or research of the department to find out its conducive climatic condition for commercial cultivation of watermelon. 

With proper mulching, a single bed produces approximately 100 Kg of watermelon and has provided evidence for its commercial cultivation of the fruit. This experimentation has brought new hope to venture in commercial produce of the fruit for a sustainable economy, says HDO S Rehman.

The watermelon is an alkaline crop which has immense food value, it has huge water content that beats the heat, cures dehydration, rich in antioxidants and has various other health benefits, he adds.

Horticulture Field Assistance (HFA), Jumio Tali who is a well trained employee in Greater Noida has been the main person guiding and supervising the entire cultivation process.

‘Watermelon gets ready within 100 days which is short and local farmers should opt to grow it commercially,’ she suggests. 

      When asked about the motive behind setting up the nursery, DHO, RN Megeji said that the prime objective of this nursery is to demonstrate, motivate and disseminate the technical know – how of crop farming to the villagers.

Referring to citrus decline in the area, the DHO shared that the nursery had no option but to intervene immediately with alternative crops. Jackfruit, Banana, Betel nut, seasonal vegetables and fruits are part of our programme in the nursery to guide the villagers to grow more seasonal vegetables and fruits in order to wean them from opium cultivation, he disclosed further.

Over the years, the nursery has received wholehearted response from farmers and has become a guiding force to them and at the same time generates considerable amount of revenue for the government too. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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