North East Pulse: Manipur Farmers Taste Success With Apple Cultivation

Asianet News English

From paddy fields to apple orchards, Manipur’s farming scene is changing fast. Once limited to Kashmir and Himachal, apple farming is now thriving in the hilly districts of Ukhrul, Senapati, and Tamenglong. With better returns, modern techniques, and rising interest, apples are bringing a sweet boost to farmer incomes.<br>&nbsp;

Transcript

00:00Crunchy, flavourful and packed with health benefits, apples are winning both hearts and

00:09farmlands. Once grown primarily in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, these vibrant fruits are now

00:16thriving in the cool hilly terrain of Manipur. Traditionally known for cultivating rice, maize

00:22and pulses, the state is now witnessing a fresh wave of apple farming. With shifting climate

00:28patterns, modern farming techniques and growing farmer awareness, apples are quickly emerging

00:34as a promising and a profitable crop for Manipur. Since last year is the first time for the

00:43harvest and this year going to be the second harvest, so in the future it will export to

00:51the town and in fall or in the national. We have planted these 300 to 400 saplings and

01:00this is pure organic and the wild apple also very good in this village and the organics,

01:10everything is in organics here and then the plants are just for four years only.

01:17The hilly districts of Ukhrul, Senapati and Tamenglong offer ideal conditions for apple cultivation,

01:24thanks to their cool climate, rich soil and high altitudes. As a high value cash crop, apples

01:30provide better returns than traditional farming, boosting farmer incomes. Today, not just farmers

01:38but also orchard owners and professionals from other fields are venturing into apple cultivation.

01:47We were told that apple tree can last for more than 100 years. So, if you take pain to plant

01:54an apple, then it will give you fruits the rest of your life. So that is a prospect, you know,

02:01at the same time it can be plucked, it can be, you know, transport to anywhere and then, you know,

02:06in Manipur, we are eating apple from Kashmir and Jammu and some other far more places,

02:11even from China also. So, here if we grow apple and then give us a plant and fruit, then, you know,

02:18market should not be any problems and we can export to any place, any nook and corners of the world.

02:23The future of apple cultivation in Manipur looks promising, marking a major shift towards horticulture

02:30in the state. With growing interest, improved techniques and the right policy support,

02:36Manipur could soon emerge as a key player in India's apple production.

02:42This trend not only boosts the local economy but also inspires youth to take up farming,

02:48paving the way for rural prosperity.

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