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Guwahati: A three-day National Level Training Programme on cashew and cocoa cultivation commenced at the Horticulture Research Station, Kahikuchi, to promote the growth of these sectors in Northeast India. Organized by the Directorate of Cashewnut and Cocoa Development (Kochi) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, the programme is being held in collaboration with the Horticulture Research Station.
The initiative aims to enhance the skills of officers from the agriculture and horticulture departments of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya, empowering them to support the expansion of cashew and cocoa cultivation.
Key Highlights:
- Dr. Bidyut Chandan Deka, Vice Chancellor of Assam Agricultural University, stressed the need to identify suitable locations for cultivation based on agro-climatic conditions.
- Dr. R. Bordoloi, Director of Extension Education Institute, emphasized awareness, capacity building, and quality planting materials for success.
- Dr. Sanjay Chetia, Director of Research, noted the potential for 50,000 hectares of cultivation in the Northeast and called for improved processing facilities.
- Dr. Femina, Director of the Directorate, highlighted India’s position as the world’s largest cashew consumer and stressed area expansion to meet raw material shortages.
Participants, including 50 officers and scientists, will receive training on planting material production, pest management, post-harvest processing, and government schemes. The programme also includes a field visit to cocoa-growing areas in Goalpara district.
A training manual on “Cashew and Cocoa Production and Processing Technologies” was also launched during the event.
