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
The vision of ICAR-CITH is to improve the livelihood and economic security of farmers in the temperate regions through research, development, and the adoption of sustainable farming technologies.
Mandates
- To act as national repository of germplasm & scientific information on temperate horticultural crops.
- To undertake basic, strategic and applied research on temperate horticultural crops in collaboration with national and international agencies to enhance productivity and quality.
- To serve as Centre of training for human resource development & transfer of technology.
Objectives
Germplasm Management
Establishment of field gene bank and management of genetic resources and scientific data base of temperate horticultural crops.
Genetic Improvement
Genetic improvement of temperate horticultural crops for yield, maturity, quality, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses through conventional breeding methods and biotechnological tools.
Nursery Management
Standardization of nursery management and high-tech propagation techniques of temperate horticultural crops.
Production Technologies
To device efficient and cost-effective production technologies and cropping systems for increasing productivity and improving quality of temperate horticultural crops.
Integrated Management
To develop eco-friendly integrated diseases/pest management modules and diagnostics.
Post-Harvest Value Addition
Post-harvest value addition, product diversification and waste utilization for increasing availability and returns.
Economic Assessment
To work out economics of production and impact assessment of technologies.
Technology Transfer
Commercialization and transfer of technologies and skilled manpower development.
