Grapes an altertive to opium in Lohit

from our correspondsent

Itagar, May 8: Grapes, a fruit termed for affluent reach, has found hopes to thrive commercially at Sunpura circle under Lohit district of Aruchal Pradesh with Ota Tayeng, a progressive farmer of Jeko village is expecting 10 kg of produces this year from a single plant which, he had raised on experimental basis.“The plant is in a healthy state and fruiting suitably as the plain and foothills areas of the district have sub-tropical climatic condition favourable for grapes. The growth has convinced us to take up this high value low volume fruit commercially”, disclosed Horticulture Development Officer, S Rehman.“Presently, grapes cost about Rs 300 per kg in the market and is beyond a poor man reach and if in future this fruit is taken up commercially under governmental schemes, it could be a money spinner for the farmer of this district and may be one of the best altertive crops for opium,” Rehman adds.

Grapes are certainly a multi-purpose fruit being used for wine, baked goods, jams and for eating fresh off the vine and it also has ability to grow in many places around the world. Grapevines are long term plants that can live between 50 years.Grapevines also thrive in sloped and hilly areas that offer up plenty of draige and sunlight, informs department sources.The horticulture department needs proactive approach to take up grapes commercially in the district which is an appropriate altertive to opium, as the government is already in an endeavour to root out opium cultivation by providing altertive crops to fight the mece.