Arunachal Pradesh

The state characterized by per-humid ecosystem has elevated ridges and intermontane valleys. The cultivated area is less than 2 % of the total geographical area of 8.2 million ha. The soils are moderately deep, acidic and low in phosphorus. Agriculture is the primary occupation of farming community. Rice is the dominant crop. Soil erosion is a problem with jhuming on hill slopes in a cycle of 3-5 years. Suggested interventions for natural resource management for agriculture in the state are as follows:

� Watershed management including water harvesting

� Amelioration of acid soils in lower Subansiri and West Siang areas

� Vermicomposting for plantation and fruit crops

� Integrated farming system involving rice, horticulture and cattle

Rice

The state has 0.12 million ha under rice, which is mostly rainfed. The current state average productivity is about 1.1 tonnes/ha. The major constraints in the production are practice of shifting (jhum) cultivation and soil acidity. The appropriate interventions are:

� Adoption of improved agricultural practices, for replacing jhum cultivation

� Correction of soil acidity by lime use

� Application of P and K, through less soluble phosphate sources, and by split application of K fertilizers

Apple

Arunachal Pradesh is emerging as a major apple-growing state in the north-east. It grows apple in 8,400 ha and produces 9,500 tonnes apples. Its productivity is 1.1 tonnes/ha, which is extremely low, and the major constraints are low-density plantation of inferior varieties, lack of pollination management, inadequate and imbalanced use of plant protection, irrigation and nutrient management practices and poor canopy. The productivity can be increased manifold by the following interventions:

� Use of high yielding spur type cultivars (Scarlet Spur, Oregon Spur, Red Fugi, Idared, Liberty) 

   and  appropriate pollinizers (Golden Delicious, Gold Spur, Red Gold)

� Top working of existing plantations with superior cultivars and pollinizers

� Integrated nutrient and pest management including micronutrients such as zinc, boron and manganese

� High-density plantation on clonal rootstocks with drip irrigation and integrated pollination