JOWAI: A demonstration on ‘Gerbera hybrids cultivation under open field conditions for resources poor farmers’ was organized by the Horticulture Division, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Ri-Bhoi at Umran on Thursday.
According to ICAR scientist Dr. Heiplanmi Rymbai, who coordinated the programme, the main objective of the demonstration was to impart practical knowledge on advance techniques of gerbera cultivation to improve the livelihood of the poor farmers.
Around 30 farmers participated in the programme where they were provided information on the potential, marketing and profitability of gerbera cultivation.
On-hand training and demonstration was carried out by the farmers on systematic layout of beds, planting spacing, seedling treatments, nutrients management and health management besides stages of harvesting and packaging of gerbera cut flowers.
In addition, the production of quality gerbera suckers throughout the production chain was demonstrated. Furthermore, crop regulation in gerbera was also introduced to the farmers for better production and quality of flowers and suckers of gerbera hybrids. Gerbera hybrids developed by the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Regions were distributed to the farmers.
Besides Dr. Rymbai, ICAR scientists including Dr. A.K. Roy and Dr. A.K. Jha also coordinated the programme.