Poi woman pioneers apple plantation in Ukhrul
Source: The Sangai Express / PIB

Imphal, December 08 2022: The agro-climatic conditions in Ukhrul are favorable for cultivation of apples and following the success of some farmers, many more are willing to develop their own orchards.

Augustina Awungshi Shimray, a resident of Poi village has set an example and she has inspired many farmers in the region to grow apples.

In the year 2019, the low chilling varieties of apple were introduced in Ukhrul district by North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Society (NERCRMS), NEC, Government of India in association with the Institute of Hi- malayan Bio-resource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh.

The initiative received overwhelming response from the farming community and as well as from the various Government and non-Government agencies.

Poi woman pioneers apple plantation in Ukhrul

Augustina Awungshi Shimray was one of the farmers, who had received a training on apple farming at the Institute of Himalayan Bio-resource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh.

Following the capacity-building support, Shimray successfully grew apples in her orchard.

Her first yield, she produced nearly 160 Kgs of apples, which were sold at a lucrative price of Rs 200 per Kg.

Inspired by her success, few more farmers have taken up apple plantation.

For her exemplary efforts, Chief Minister N Biren Singh has felicitated Augustina Awungshi Shimray.

She has also received financial support from the State Government to train farmers on apple cultivation and its post-harvest management.

Shimray has expressed her sincere gratitude to NERCRMS, NEC, GoI for transforming her life and enabling her to become economically self-sustainable.

Today, she has realised the meaning of Atmanirbharta and her story is an inspiration to the entire farming community of North East India.