Hybrid variety of watermelon thrive in Tezu

Our Correspondent

Itanagar, June 9: The Aneesha F1 hybrid variety of watermelon that thrives in favourable sub-tropical climatic condition and cultivated in the Government Horticulture Nursery at Tezu in Lohit district can become a game-changer for progressive farmers here.

The nursery is currently experimenting to learn about the climatic conditions that will make it conducive for commercial cultivation of this variety of watermelon.

Horticulture Development Officer, S Rehman, informed that proper mulching in single bed can produce approximately 100 kg of watermelon which is proof that it is a commercially viable option.

"This experiment has brought new hope for a sustainable economy," he said.

Horticulture field assistance (HFA), Jumio Tali, who has been trained in Greater Noida is the guiding force behind the experiment and supervises the cultivation. She informed that watermelon growth is healthy and becomes ready within 100 days.

District horticulture officer, RN Megeji, said that the prime objective of the nursery is to demonstrate, motivate, and disseminate the technical know-how to villagers rather than earn revenue for the government.

He also said that there has been a decline in citrus fruits grown in the nursery and hence cultivating alternative crops such as jackfruits, banana, betel nut, seasonal vegetables, and fruits had to be adopted to sway villagers away from opium cultivation.