The programme was organized by CHES, Chettalli and Division of Fruit Crops, ICAR-IIHR to showcase and document the genetic diversity in papaya and passion fruit prevailing in Coorg region. More than 150 growers have participated and displayed 70 genotypes of papaya and 40 genotypes of passion fruit. The exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Bose Mandanna, Former Vice Chairman, Coffee Board and Planter, Suntikoppa along with other guests. Exhibition included different genotypes, display of different phenological phases of passion fruit, propagation methods in passion fruit and papaya, pests and diseases, etc. Dr. Muralidhara, B.M. explained about the importance of diversity show. Dr. Rajendiran S., Senior Scientist and Head (I/c) briefed about the importance of programme. The Chief Guest Shri Ravishankar B.P., Progressive Farmer, Ponnampet stressed the importance of conservation and diversity in fruit crops. The Guest of Honour Dr. Sulladmath V.V., Retd. Principal Scientist (Fruit Science) and Former Head, CHES, Chettalli addressed the importance of passion fruit cultivation in Coorg region. The Special Invitee Dr. Y.T.N. Reddy, Retd. Principal Scientist (Fruit Science) told about the potential of Coorg Honey Dew Papaya. Dr. Sankaran M., Head, Division of Fruit Crops, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru delivered presidential address and suggested to promote horticultural produce through FPOs as Coorg brand and also insisted to obtain GI for Coorg Honey Dew Papaya and Kaveri Passion Fruit. During the technical session, Dr. V.V. Sulladhmath delivered talk on Good Agriculture Practices in Passion Fruit and Dr. Vasugi C., Principal Scientist (Fruit Science) delivered talk on Papaya Cultivation. Dr. Rani A.T., delivered talk on Integrated Pest Management in Papaya and Passion Fruit and Dr. Samuel D.K., Principal Scientist, delivered talk on Integrated Disease Management in Papaya and Passion Fruit. Dr. Sakthivel T., Dr. Karunakaran G., Dr. Nagaraja A., and Dr. Sankaran M chaired the brainstorming and interactive session and answered the queries raised by the farmers. The exhibited samples were evaluated and certificates and cash prize were awarded for the best three genotypes of passion fruit and papaya. The plants of two passion fruits (one purple and one yellow type) were distributed to all participants.
