Brainstorming Session Focused on Citrus Decline and Sustainable Orchard Revival Organised

27 November 2025, Kolkata

A Brainstorming session on ‘Citrus Rejuvenation and Cultivation in West Bengal’ was organised today by ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata in hybrid mode, bringing together all KVKs of the State for an in-depth and focused dialogue aimed at enhancing citrus productivity and strengthening orchard resilience.

Dr. Dilip Ghosh, Director, Director, ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur, who provided an in-depth overview of the causal factors responsible for citrus decline. He explained how continuous stress biotic, abiotic, and managerial gradually leads to orchard degradation, manifested through reduced vigour, lower yields, and eventual economic losses for farmers. He cited several case studies showcasing successful rejuvenation strategies, including canopy management, nutrient correction, rootstock selection, and integrated disease–pest management.

Presiding over the function, Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR–ATARI Kolkata, highlighted the immense potential of citrus for livelihood diversification and nutritional security in West Bengal while noting that declining orchard health is both a technical and socio-economic concern. He stressed the need to strengthen orchard rejuvenation, quality planting material systems, and scientific management to ensure sustainable growth of the citrus sector. Dr. Dey also urged KVKs to intensify field demonstrations, promote farmer-friendly advisories, and collaborate closely with line Departments to scale up successful models.

A dedicated Q&A session enabled KVK scientists to discuss region-specific constraints and seek technical clarifications on rejuvenation protocols, particularly pruning schedules, nutrient modules, and soil health restoration. The session also included a reflection on the collaborative work initiated so far.

The deliberations also included a session on modalities for ensuring disease-free and high-quality planting material, highlighting the importance of certified nurseries, virus-indexed mother plants, and streamlined distribution systems. The discussion underscored the need for strong institutional coordination to make quality planting material accessible to farmers across the citrus-growing districts of West Bengal.

The session concluded with a shared commitment from ICAR-ATARI, ICAR-CCRI, and KVKs to adopt a mission-oriented approach for revitalising citrus orchards, enhancing farmer income, and fostering long-term sustainability of citrus cultivation in the State.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)