SHERGAON, OCT 14:
The State Horticulture Farm (SHF) at Shergaon in West Kameng district, established in 1977–78, has emerged as an important centre for temperate fruit cultivation, scientific horticultural practices and agricultural innovation in Arunachal Pradesh.
Taking advantage of the region’s favourable climatic conditions, the farm cultivates more than 40 varieties of apples, along with other temperate fruits such as plum, peach, pear, cherry, walnut and persimmon. It also produces fresh fruits and planting materials while generating revenue through the sale of fruits, vegetables and other farm produce.
The farm received special attention during the visit of Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) on July 25, 2026. During the visit, the Governor highlighted horticulture’s potential to enhance farmers’ incomes, strengthen food security and contribute to the state’s sustainable development.
He encouraged farmers, entrepreneurs and youth to explore opportunities in horticulture and called for the adoption of natural farming practices to improve soil health, protect the environment and enhance agricultural sustainability. He also stressed the need to extend scientific methods, modern technologies and innovative farming practices from research farms to villages.
During the visit, the Governor was briefed on orchard management practices, including recommended cultivation methods, plant protection schedules, fruit management and the use of anti-hail nets. A notable demonstration involved top-working, in which a mature Red Delicious apple tree was grafted with eight different apple varieties to showcase varietal diversification and improved orchard management.
Drone technology was also demonstrated to highlight its potential for crop monitoring, precision spraying and efficient farm management. Such technologies can help optimise resource use, reduce labour-intensive field inspections and improve worker safety, particularly in difficult terrain.
The farm has also undertaken landscaping initiatives, including plantations of plum and peach trees, along with seasonal intercropping of sunflower and cosmos to enhance the premises’ aesthetic appeal.
To strengthen its scientific infrastructure, a tissue culture laboratory was constructed under the RE 2021–22 programme. However, it remains non-operational due to a shortage of technical manpower. During 2025–26, tissue-cultured blueberry and apple plants for mother stock, along with apple varieties for rootstocks, were procured from Himachal Pradesh to strengthen the farm’s planting material resources.
The farm generated revenue of ₹22,02,900 during the financial year 2025–26, an increase of ₹6,03,090 over the previous financial year.
With its diverse collection of temperate fruits and emphasis on scientific cultivation, the Shergaon farm continues to support horticultural development in the state. Addressing technical manpower shortages and strengthening infrastructure could further enhance its role in crop diversification, farmer income generation and youth entrepreneurship.
