ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) organized a collaborative training programme in association with MANAGE, Hyderabad on "Extension for Horticultural Technologies" for the extension professionals (22), who participated from all over the country, during July 27-29, 2021.
The inauguration of this programme was held on 27.7.2021 at 10.30 AM. Dr T Janakiram, Vice-Chancellor, Dr YSR Horticulture University participated as Chief Guest of the programme. In his address Dr Janakiram, spoke about the innovative extension activities organized by the University. Dr P Chandrashekara, Director General, MANAGE, Hyderabad highlighted the need for five important systems in extension such as market-led, group-led, public-private partnership-led, ICT-led and business-led. He also suggested the need to promote family farmer approach. Dr BNS Murthy, Director, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, emphasized the need for promoting technologies or convincing the farmers with focus on market driven opportunities.
This programme had more than 15 technical sessions, which were delivered by many eminent scientists such as Dr V Venkatasubramanian, Director, ATARI, Bengaluru; Dr S Prabhukumar, Former ATARI, Director, Bengaluru; Dr MR Dinesh, Former Director, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru; Dr Srinivasulu, Director of Extension, Dr YSR Horticulture University etc. There were also sessions handled by Dr R Venkattakumar, PS and Head (I/C), Division of Social Sciences and Training, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru; Dr VKJ Rao, PS, Division of Social Sciences and Training, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru; Dr Saju George, PS and Head, KVK, Gonikoppal; Dr N Loganandhan, PS and Head, KVK, Hirehalli; Dr CK Narayana, PS and Head, Division of PHT & AE, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru and Dr Shahaji Phand, Centre Head (EAAS), MANAGE, Hyderabad. There were sessions on use of ICT and social media as a tool in horticulture extension, innovative marketing models in horticulture, lessons from National Horticulture Fairs of ICAR-IIHR, experience of Farmers FIRST project in dissemination of horticultural production technologies, innovations in agricultural extension, strategies for reaching the unreached, extension strategies for technology application, KVK perspectives of horticultural extensions, horticultural technology assessment and refinement and business planning and licensing procedures in horticulture etc.
The participants of this programme were representing SAUs, ICAR institutes, KVKs, development departments and NGOs. There was feedback session and examination for the participants at the end. The participants felt that the programme was very much useful in updating their knowledge pertaining to dissemination of horticulture technologies.
