Citrus Estate, Dhiwarwadi in the famed Katol-Narkhed orange belt of Nagpur district has emerged as a model institution for quality sapling production alongside encouraging mechanised farming through support mechanism and undertaking farmer training initiatives. The centre, that has evolved through modern technology, has proven to be boon for orange orchards, as cultivation of mother saplings has bridged the supply gap. Established through a Government Resolution (GR) on March 7, 2019, the autonomous institution was created to provide disease-free orange and sweet lime saplings, promote advanced cultivation practices and offer technical guidance for citrus exports. Farmers from Katol, Narkhed and Kalmeshwar regions are closely associated with the estate. So far, 1,087 farmers have enrolled as lifetime members, generating Rs 5.44 lakh through membership fees, informed Ravindra Manohare, District Superintendent Agriculture Officer, and Ex-officio Chairman of the Estate.

 

Spread across 4 hectares, the Estate has developed mother plantations using Indo-Israel cultivation techniques. A modern shade-net nursery with a capacity of 26,000 saplings has been established to provide high-quality planting material to growers. Last year, 18,000 saplings were sold, while 26,000 orange and sweet lime saplings are available this season. Manohare further said that, ‘Tip Bud’ technology has also been introduced for improved graft production, and we expect to generate an income of around Rs 18 lakh.

 

The agricultural implements bank operated by the estate has received encouraging response from the farmers. Tractors, blower sprayers, mulchers and rotavators are available on rent at nominal rates, that means farmers need not lock their capital in these costly farm equipment. Around 486 farmers have benefited from the facility, generating Rs 10.56 lakh revenue. The institution has organised 26 training programmes benefiting 2,254 citrus growers on nutrient management, flowering, fruit drop control and export-oriented farming practices. Scientists from agricultural universities at Akola and Parbhani have guided farmers during these sessions.

 

A new administrative building worth Rs 2 crore has received technical approval and construction is expected to begin soon. Soil and water testing laboratories and an agri-input centre will also be established there. For 2026-27, the estate plans to establish three additional high-tech shade-net houses with a capacity of 70,000 saplings and launch AI-based citrus crop management demonstrations. Farmers’ representative Manoj Jawanjal said, “The estate has greatly benefited growers, but shortage of permanent administrative and technical staff remains a major challenge. In Vidarbha, the success of Estate is truly a showcase moment, as in past, not many institution have managed to make any dent in the agricultural belt.