Established in late 2021, the ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (ICAR-CITH) Regional Station in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh, serves as a 24.05-hectare hub for advancing temperate horticulture and farmer livelihoods in the North Eastern Hill region. The station conducts specialized research on climate-resilient fruits like Kiwi, Persimmon, Gala apples, and high-value walnuts, alongside extensive vegetable trials involving over 200 cucumber accessions and indigenous Monpa chillies. With modernized infrastructure including high-tech polyhouses, a molecular virus-indexing lab, and a Plant Entry Quarantine facility, the center ensures the production of elite, disease-free planting materials. Through field demonstrations of exotic crops like blueberry and persimmon, as well as the distribution of disease-resistant seeds, the station has effectively bridged the gap between scientific innovation and sustainable, revenue-generating farming for local communities.
Vision
To emerge as a leading center for temperate horticulture innovation in the North Eastern Himalayas, enhancing farmer incomes through climate-resilient, high-value crop technologies and sustainable practices tailored to the region's unique agro-climatic conditions.
Mandates
- To conduct region-specific research on temperate fruits, nuts, vegetables, and high-value crops suitable for Arunachal Pradesh and the NEH region.
- To develop and demonstrate climate-resilient varieties, production technologies, and disease-free planting materials in collaboration with ICAR-CITH headquarters and local stakeholders.
- To facilitate technology transfer, capacity building, and livelihood improvement for farmers through trainings, demonstrations, and seed/planting material distribution.
Objectives
Germplasm Management
Introduction, evaluation, and conservation of temperate horticultural germplasm suited to high-altitude NEH conditions, including exotic and indigenous accessions.
Climate-Resilient Varieties
Development and screening of varieties for yield, quality, and resistance to biotic/abiotic stresses in fruits like apple, kiwi, walnut, and persimmon.
Propagation & Nursery
Standardization of high-tech propagation, polyhouse techniques, and production of elite, virus-indexed planting materials.
Production Technologies
Optimization of cultivation practices, cropping systems, and protected cultivation for enhancing productivity in temperate vegetables and fruits.
Integrated Pest Management
Development of eco-friendly IPM modules, molecular diagnostics, and quarantine protocols for disease-free materials.
Value Addition & Demonstrations
Field demonstrations of high-value crops (e.g., blueberry, avocado) and support for post-harvest practices to boost farmer incomes.
Technology Transfer
Training programs, seed/plant distribution, and partnerships for commercialization and adoption in local communities.
Livelihood Enhancement
Bridging research with on-ground impact through farmer-centric initiatives for sustainable, profitable horticulture in Arunachal Pradesh.
