ICAR–CPCRI intensifies arecanut development efforts in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills

: Arecanut, Meghalaya’s major horticultural crop, is facing mounting production challenges, notably the increasing incidence of bud rot disease, which has led to a steady decline in productivity. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of arecanut production in the state fell sharply to 1.79% during 2010–20, compared to 9.25% during 1990–2000, while the all-India growth rate stood at 9.82%.

To address this concern and promote scientific arecanut-based farming systems, the ICAR–Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (ICAR–CPCRI), Kasaragod, Kerala, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and the Department of Horticulture, Government of Meghalaya, conducted a series of stakeholder meetings, training sessions, and field demonstrations across the Garo Hills region from October