Researchers from Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Nauni has discovered a significant discovery after discovering a wild kiwi variety known as Actinidia strigilosa var callosa which is capable of flourishing under the harsh winter conditions that prevail at higher altitudes. The species is located within the Lachen region in Sikkim This species is able to possibly extend the cultivation of kiwi at elevations of up to 2,800 meters, far exceeding the present limit of 1,500 to 800 metres.

The study, which was directed by PhD student Abhilash Pradhan and guided by Dr. Dinesh Singh Thakur of the Regional Horticulture Research and Training Center, Mashobra, aims to preserve the germplasm from this endangered species in order to study it further. It was discovered that this particular kiwi variation is verified with the help of the researcher Dr. Kumar Ambrish from the High Altitude Western Himalayan Regional Center of the Botanical Survey of India, Nauni.

This initiative may lead to the creation of cold-resistant kiwi varieties that will provide fresh agricultural possibilities to farmers from northeastern India as well as other areas of high altitude. Dr. Sanjeev Chouhan, the research Director for Nauni University, emphasized the possibility of this research to boost the industry of horticulture in colder climates, similar to the revolution in apple farming that took place in Himachal Pradesh.

The development in kiwi farming is a major step in the direction of the diversification of agriculture and growth in the mountainous regions. It also provides the possibility of a fresh crop to the farmers of these regions.

Source: HIMACHAL HEADLINES