JORHAT, March 6 - Assam Agricultural University (AAU) and the Nagpur-based Central Citrus Research Institute (CCRI) today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work together for setting up a sub-centre of the Central Citrus Research Station (CCRS) in Assam.
The agreement was signed by CCRI Director Dr ML Ladaniya and AAU Registrar Arpan Saikia at Jorhat.
�Citrus decline and other related problems have been issues of concern for the entire North Eastern region. These issues were taken up by AAU with CCRS located at Nagpur. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) accordingly took up the matter proactively and agreed to open a sub-centre of CCRS in Assam in collaboration with AAU, which in turn has allotted a suitable plot of land for this sub-station in its Agricultural College at Biswanath Chariali,� said an official statement.
It said that the project will be implemented from this year and the MoU between CCRI and AAU has been signed for that purpose.
Further, it stated that the sub-centre will provide all required technical guidance and assistance to citrus growers in Assam and the other North Eastern States.
�This centre is expected to propel citrus production, particularly of Khasi Mandarin, further in the region with scientific and eco-friendly technologies and also engage in transfer of technology programmes. It will also impart on-campus and off-campus training to State department officials, Krishi Vigyan Kendra matter specialists and college and university staff on production of disease- free planting material,� said the statement.
It also mentioned that CCRI Nagpur will be starting demonstration on rejuvenation of Khasi Mandarin orchards in the hills of the North East region very soon.
