Assam Institute of Management, Bamunimaidan, Guwahati —21
An analysis of NSSO survey data on cultivation practices has shown that the northeast hill states have retained traditional practices and show an inclination towards organic agriculture that can be harnessed for the development of the region with ecological benefits. The cultivation of fruits crops in a systematic manner is, however, still neglected in India probably because horticultural plantations are capital-intensive and their gestation period is quite long. The seasonality of production and perishability of the produce are characteristics features of horticultural crops. The soil and climate of Arunachal Pradesh are most suitable for growing of mandarin orange and most of the citrus species are found in the region both as wild and cultivated types. The state is reported to be region having high potential of horticultural development since topographically and agro-climatically there is a wide range of variation. The paper investigates if organic farming is exclusive to or focused on organic orange cultivation in Arunachal Pradesh. The study has shown that a north-eastern state like Arunachal Pradesh can be explored as a destination for organic fruit production if proper attention is given in terms of development and dissemination of organic farming technology to nature-loving tribal farmers of the area.
