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TINSUKIA: AAU-Citrus and Plantation Crops Research Station (AAU-CPCRS) Tinsukia in association with All India Coordinated Research Project (Fruits) organized a ‘Citrus Biodiversity Fair 2023’ on Saturday within the AAU-CPCRS campus. Held for the first time, the event marked the presence of experts from citrus and allied fields besides a large number of citrus growers. The citrus fruit which once considered being pride of upper Assam and Tinsukia district in particular is in the verge of threat with some precious citrus varieties already got nearly extinct even as some citrus varieties from neighbouring states like Arunachal Pradesh got GI tags in recent times, viewed some experts. The diversity fair was organized to showcase the vast genetic diversity of citrus fruits in the district and to create awareness on the importance of their conservation and to help scientific management of citrus orchards. Dr Raj Kumar Kakoti Chief Scientist of AAU-CPCRS in his welcome speech while addressing the guests and participants elaborated the significance behind holding the fair. Dr Bidyut Chandan Deka Vice Chancellor of AAU Jorhat graced the occasion as chief guest who also inaugurated the Citrus Biodiversity Fair 2023 later in presence of Dr Mrinal Saikia, Director of Research (Agri) AAU, Dr Nalim Kr Mohan Member Agriculture Commission, Government of Assam, Dr Manoranjan Neog Director Extension Education AAU and Dr Deepak Mena DAO Tinsukia besides other dignitaries. The speakers suggested multi-cropping in order to utilize the space between the two plants and to adopt best agricultural practices with mission to acquire GI tags in future.
More than 200 farmers from across Tinsukia district attended the fair and also brought citrus fruits for competition. Four progressive citrus farmers namely Sashidhar Chutia, Ananta Chutia, Putal Chutia and Bipul Chutia were felicitated and awarded with certificate of appreciation in the event.
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