To promote scientific citrus orchard management and tackle declining yields, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), East Kameng organized a comprehensive training and demonstration on “Plant Protection and Canopy Management of Orange Plantation” at its Pampoli campus on Tuesday. The extension program addressed major challenges confronting local growers, including premature fruit drop, trunk borer infestations, emerging pest outbreaks, and deteriorating tree health across the district. Leading the session, Dr. M. C. Debnath, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK East Kameng, detailed integrated management strategies through a technical presentation, emphasizing the critical role of timely pruning and canopy control. He explained that removing dead, diseased, or unwanted shoots enhances sunlight penetration and air circulation, thereby mitigating pest pressures while optimizing fruit development and overall crop quality. The event featured a practical, hands-on session where farmers learned the precise preparation, correct proportioning, and application techniques for Bordeaux paste to shield tree trunks against fungal and borer damage. Urging growers to adopt routine orchard sanitation, structured canopy pruning, and continuous pest monitoring, the scientists addressed field-specific concerns during an interactive Q&A session, equipping participants with actionable knowledge to restore the vitality and productivity of citrus plantations in the region.
