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Field day organized at Marngar village

        Khasi mandarin of Meghalaya is prized for the sweet taste and consumer’s preference. The production and productivity of Khasi mandarin in the state need to be improved upon and the mandarin growers need to maintain the orchards vigorous and health. In this context a field day was organized on “Good orchard management practices” at Marngar village of Ri Bhoi district on 04th December 2024 under the institute project on Cataloguing the diversity of biotic stresses and development of ecofriendly management practices in Khasi mandarin. The programme was attended by 28 Khasi mandarin growers of the locality, who actively participated. In the day long programme, the farmers were appraised about the calendar of activities to be followed for rejuvenating as well as maintaining good soil and plant health of the orchards. Further, application of fertilizers in in ring method and plant protection measures to be adopted in the orchards after training and pruning operations were demonstrated with the preparation and application of Bordeaux paste in one of the orchards of Shri. Roling Sohkhowai. The mandarin growers were not aware of the preparation and use of Bordeaux paste and so were motivated to use this simple homemade fungicide in the orchards to protect the plants. Maintenance of clean and healthy orchards, method of application of biopesticides was also demonstrated to the participants and they were provided with the critical inputs for Bordeaux paste preparation, some biopesticides and fertilizers. The programme was co-ordinated by scientists Dr. Tasvina R. Borah, Dr. Sandip Patra and Dr. A. Balusamy of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam and assisted by Ms. Ibanrishisha Ksoo.