Two days training program on “Technological interventions for successful implementation of WADI Project” was jointly organized by CHES (ICAR-IIHR), Bhubaneswar and NABARD Bhubaneswar during 19-20 May 2022. The aim of the program was to impart comprehensive knowledge on orchard establishment and scientific orchard management to the extension functionaries and NABARD officials associated with the WADI Project of NABARD. The program was attended by 58 participants including NABARD officials. At the outset, Dr. G. C. Acharya, Head I/c, welcomed DGM, NABARD and other officers and participants and highlighted the research and extension activities of the station for the benefit of farming community. The adoption of good agricultural practices is essentially required for increasing productivity of fruit crops, he added. He also appreciated the effort of NABARD in dissemination of good agricultural practices in fruit crops for extension functionaries. Sh. Kamalkanta Pattnaik, DGM, NABARD emphasized the need of feasible agronomic practices in sustaining fruit yield. He appreciated CHES (ICAR-IIHR), Bhubaneswar for organizing training program in collaboration with NABARD. He also expressed that the program will not only update extension functionaries with scientific technologies but also facilitate their efficient dissemination.
In the training program both theory and practical classes were arranged. Various aspects of fruit orchard management such as planning and establishment, good agricultural practices, water management, varietal suitability, intercropping, planting material production and disease management were covered by external expert and CHES, scientists. Hands on training on the orchard establishment, nutrient management, disease management, postharvest & value addition, planting material production were provided by the scientists and technical staff of CHES. Interaction and feedback session was also arranged wherein the queries of participants were addressed. Participants expressed satisfaction over the training program and stated that technological interventions would be disseminated among the farming community. The programme was co-ordinated by Dr G C Acharya with able support from Dr Kundan Kishore, Dr Deepa Samant, Dr V V Koundinya and technical staff like Sri S Majhi, Smt Suchitra Behera, Sri M K Pattanaik, Sri A Das, Sri C S Durga, Sri A Ghosh and Sri B C Patra
