KalimNews, Kalimpong, March 7, 2025: The 2nd International Workshop on Empowering Farmers for Climate Resilient Orange Cultivation in the Eastern Himalayas was successfully held on the 5th and 6th of March, 2025, at Cluny Women’s College, Kalimpong. The workshop was organized by the Directorate of Cinchona and Other Medicinal Plants (DCOMP) in collaboration with Cluny Women’s College, Kalimpong, with the aim to address the challenges faced by local orange farmers, particularly in the Darjeeling and Sikkim regions.

In a press release, the DCOMP emphasized the significant role Darjeeling Mandarin Orange has played as the economic backbone of the region. However, the crop has faced considerable setbacks since the 1970s due to Citrus Decline, which drastically reduced the area under cultivation and affected both production and productivity. During the 1920s and 1930s, Darjeeling and Sikkim generated annual revenues of approximately Rs. 4.5 lakh from orange sales alone. However, the region now produces only a few hundred tonnes of oranges annually, with the once-bustling regulated market in Siliguri now seeing limited supply.

Despite these setbacks, the demand for fresh oranges remains high, and both tradition
al and new orange farmers are keen to revitalize this crucial agricultural sector. In response to these challenges, the workshop aimed to provide technological support to boost production, productivity, and the overall quality of oranges. The workshop gathered experts from across the globe, including researchers from the USA, Iran, and Arunachal Pradesh’s Central Agricultural University, as well as scientists from neighboring Nepal and Bhutan, who participated virtually as well as in person. Local farmers, self-help groups, cooperative societies, extension workers, and researchers also participated, sharing insights and discussing viable solutions.

Key participants included the Honourable Minister In-charge of Food Processing Industries and Horticulture,  Arup Roy, and the Honourable Chief Executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA),  Anit Thapa, along with senior officials from various government departments, Dr. Samuel Rai, the Director of the DCOMP stated..

The workshop featured extensive discussions on addressing technological interventions, with farmers presenting the difficulties they face and seeking practical solutions. The event included six technical sessions, as well as discussions on recommendations from the previous international workshop held last year, where 65% of the recommended issues had already been addressed.

The DCOMP also conducted surveys in orange-growing areas, covering aspects such as area, production, productivity, pest and disease management, orchard management, and soil fertility. The findings of these surveys will soon be analyzed to inform future interventions.

Key Topics and Solutions Discussed at the Workshop:

1. Foot Rot and Inarching Technology: Foot rot caused by Phytophthora is a significant issue for orange cultivation. The practice of inarching trees with rootstocks like Rangpur Lime and Rough Lemon has been identified as a potential solution. However, the adoption rate remains low, and efforts will focus on more demonstrations and training in farmers’ fields. Additionally, efforts are underway to source Trifoliate orange plants for rootstocks.

2. Trunk Borer and Fruit Fly: Both pests, which pose a serious threat to orange crops, were discussed in detail. DCOMP proposed an innovative pest control solution where farmers receive incentives for catching these pests, a measure approved by GTA.

3. Insect Pests and Diseases: The workshop addressed other major and minor insect pests and diseases. New methods for quickly identifying viral and bacterial diseases were discussed, with requests for research institutes and universities to develop cost-effective solutions.

4. Soil Fertility and Nutritional Management: Emphasis was placed on improving soil fertility and nutritional management, with collaboration encouraged between the DCOMP and the Animal Resource Development Department to ensure a steady supply of farmyard manure.

5. Rejuvenating Old Orange Plants: As many orange plants in the region are nearing the end of their productive life, rejuvenation techniques were explored to save the remaining trees, using available technologies to boost their productivity.

6. Production of Quality Planting Material: The government has initiated the production of five lakh grafted and budded plants, specifically on Rangpur lime and Rough Lemon rootstocks, to support the rejuvenation of orange orchards.

7. Water Management: The installation of Fertigation and Drip Irrigation systems will be encouraged to ensure efficient water use, particularly in orchards located in water-scarce areas.

8. Extension Functionaries Support: A significant focus was placed on strengthening and empowering extension workers with technological support to ensure they can assist farmers effectively in their day-to-day operations.

9. Orange Cultivation Guides: DCOMP, along with RRS UBKV, has developed a comprehensive booklet in both English and Nepali for farmers and extension workers. The booklet includes quality photographs to help understand the common problems and available solutions, along with a calendar of activities for the entire year.

10. Tissue Culture Laboratory: The Department of Science and Technology is supporting the establishment of a Tissue Culture Laboratory in Mungpoo dedicated to orange cultivation, aiming to promote Shoot Tip Grafting and other in-vitro techniques.

    

The workshop not only provided a platform for the exchange of knowledge but also focused on forging stronger collaborations between various stakeholders, including local farmers, experts, and government departments. The discussions culminated in several important recommendations to rejuvenate the orange industry and make it more climate-resilient.

Recommendations for Rejuvenating Orange Cultivation:

Research:

1. Orchard management, including nutritional and water requirements.
2. Localized pest and disease management strategies.
3. Development of new products to increase the shelf-life of fresh fruits.
4. Compilation of best practices from both domestic and international orange growers.
5. Establishment of dependable disease indexing laboratories.
6. Long-term research on rootstock selection and climate-resilient, eco-friendly production systems.

 Extension: