Blossoming Potential: Apple farming sprouts hope in Thanamir

September 20, 2024 7 Views No Comment

With a little push, the village can become an export hub, stakeholders say

Morung Express News
Kohima | September 20

Nestled at the foot of Mount Saramati within a lush, green landscape bordering Indo-Myanmar, and unbeknownst to many, a quiet yet profound agricultural revolution is taking root high up in Thanamir village in Kiphire district.

Apple farming, once a mere garden venture for villagers, has now become a way of life for every household.

With an apple tree in almost every kitchen garden and farm, Thanamir is now a thriving hub of apple cultivation, offering both sustenance and an economic lifeline for the community.

Visitors to the 15th Thanamir Apple Festival on September 10 this year were greeted by apple trees swaying gently in the breeze, their branches heavy with ripening fruit of all varieties and sizes.

The varieties of apples available in different seasons include stone apple, black apple, green apple, red apple, golden yellow apple, and yellow apple.

Fascinating Origin
The origins of apple farming in Thanamir are steeped in a fascinating tale, as recounted by former village council chairman Tsuseki.

Accroding to him, it all began when T Ningtsemong, a village guard, received four apples from a quartermaster stationed at the 11th Durga Army Company outpost in Penkim village in the early 1980s.

This simple gift sparked a transformation that would change the village’s agricultural landscape forever.

Since then, he recalled, apple farming has become a tradition passed down through generations. Now, every household in the village has transformed its land into a small-scale apple orchard—ranging from kitchen gardens to full-fledged farms.

Current Status of farming
Discussing the current status of apple farming, Topanthong, Chief Executive Officer of the Thanamir Organic Producer Company Limited (TOPCL), told The Morung Express that it has expanded so extensively that many citizens of Thanamir, including those living in towns and cities, now own one or two farms in the village.

Currently, with 380 households tending 150 to 200 apple trees, the village is home to between 57,000 and 76,000 thriving apple trees, covering 550 to 750 acres of land for apple farming, he estimated.

The expansion of apple cultivation has been further accelerated by TOPCL’s initiative to support 500 farmers across 25 villages to extend apple farming throughout the district, he added.

The Challenges
Despite the progress, the journey is still fraught with significant challenges.

As the village produces 40-50 tonnes annually, Topanthong noted that the lack of proper storage facilities results in products perishing before they reach their final destination.

Financial constraints, poor road connectivity, inadequate farming facilities, limited transportation options, and insufficient scientific and technical knowledge also pose significant hurdles.

For marketing, it was learnt that villagers often depend on a local trader who buys their apples and sells them at retail in Kohima, Dimapur, and other locations.

Upon further inquiry, the CEO noted that the demand for apples, both in the market and for domestic consumption, has significantly increased in recent years.

Traders, aware of the high demand and limited supply, often book the apples months in advance, ensuring they do not miss out during the short harvest season, he added.

Demand for Apple Saplings
Through TOPCL, a total of 4,757 apple saplings have been supplied to different agencies and areas in Nagaland and beyond, including Myanmar and Malaysia.

With the potential for apple exports as well as their saplings, the company has urged the Department of Horticulture to establish a nursery for apple sapling production to meet the needs of both local farmers and international markets.

With a little push, Thanamir can become an thriving centre for apples, noted Tsechimong, the Thanamir Village Council Chairman.

“Our land is very fertile, and we are very optimistic that with a little help and support, Thanamir can become an export hub for apples,” he added.

While the apple trade has become a critical part of life in Thanamir, however, local farmers face the same challenges every year.
With proper infrastructure and support, Thanamir’s apples could become a powerful symbol of resilience and hope, transforming the lives of those who nurture them, as the village is determined to see its apple dreams bear fruit.