ICAR- Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur organized training programme in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal

9th May 2023, Moongpoo

One of the most popular mandarin varieties of India, ‘Darjeeling mandarin’ is slowly losing its past glory in domestic and international markets due to its low production in recent times. The production of oranges in the lower belts of the Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills has dropped significantly over the last few years and the farmers are preparing for alternative farming after orange trees have started dying in large numbers.

ICAR- Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur organized training programme in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal

A Training Programme on ‘Citrus Production Technology and Rejuvenation’ was organized by ICAR- CCRI, at Moongpoo today with the support of Directorate of Cinchona and Other Medicinal Plants (DCOMP), Mungpoo, Darjeeling.

Dr Dilip Ghosh, Director, ICAR-CCRI, Nagpur emphasized the use of disease-free nursery planting material for the establishment of new orchards as well as taking proper scientific care for more productive orchards of Darjeeling mandarin. Dr Ghosh also presented a brief overview of the citrus industry in the country.

ICAR- Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur organized training programme in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal

Earlier, Dr. Samuel Rai, Director, DCOMP delivered welcome address

A field demonstration was also organized on the proper preparation and use of Bordeaux Paste and Bordeaux mixture for the farmers.  The programme was attended by the progressive farmers from Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts, staff of UBKV regional centre- Kalimpong; KVK- Kalimpong; DCOMP- Mungpoo; and State Department of Horticulture, West Bengal.

The CCRI team also visited the various Darjeeling mandarin growing areas situated in Lower Sittong, Upper Sittong, Chhmbi, Lapsibotey and interacted with the farmers and suggested the steps to be taken for the overall improvement of Darjeeling mandarin orchards.

Later the team of scientists also visited mandarin and lime/lemon orchards in the Dooars region of Jalpaiguri and Alipur Duar districts of West Bengal and suggested the remedial measures for the problems farmers are facing.

A memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has also been signed with Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (UBKV), Pundibari, Cooch Bihar. This joint agreement/MOU will help the Darjeeling mandarin growers to curb the menace of decline.