Mizoram seeks Israel's asst for orange disease

Aizawl, Jan 14: Mizoram government has signed a multi-crorecontract with Israel Co-operation of Agriculture for combating orangeplant diseases in the state.

The disease destroyed several orange plants of the state in thelast few years. The full-grown orange trees wither away due to adisease which is locally known as 'Tam'.

''Officials of the state horticulture department were sent toIsrael for training,'' state Horticulture Commissioner LalramthangaTochhawng told UNI adding that an unidentified virulent agent similarto virus causes the disease.

He said the western belt of the state, bordering Tripura andBangaladesh, has been found suitable for orange plantation but Tam hashampered production and it was expected that the Israeli technologywould help in beating the disease.

Currently, comparative productivity rate per hectare was far belowthe other states because of lack of high-yielding seeds, he pointed out.

''Entire North East is home to many tropical and sub-tropicalfruits like orange, pineapple, pear, pech and plum. With the assistanceof Israel, we hope to overcome the hurdles and go for commercialproduce of the tropical fruits,'' Mr Tochhawng maintained.

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