A special training program on “Cultivation practices and export protocol for Vegetables & Ornamental crops” for the farmers of Kerala was conducted at ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru during 16th -17th August, 2023, with the main objective to develop awareness and orient farmers on the ICAR-IIHR technologies for cultivation practices of vegetables, flowers and fruits and their export orientation for economic security of farmers. Dr. Ramya H.R, Scientist, welcomed with the introductory note and Mr. Atheequlla, Scientist explained about the objective and agenda of the training in the introduction. Farmers from Kerala expressed their needs on advanced technologies related to vegetable and ornamental crops. Dr. Prakash Patil, Director (I/c), in his presidential speech enlightened the gathering on importance and scope of horticulture and on various improved Technologies from IIHR. He ensured all the training needs felt by trainees will be fulfilled and briefed on different livelihood opportunities in horticulture in promoting hortipreneurs, post-harvest technologies, off season cultivation in green house etc. He also stressed on the need for training and capacity building for promotion of horticulture and motivated the participants for effective utilization of training with supportive network between IIHR Scientists.
During the two days training programme, 25 trainees actively participated in training from Kerala through Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Kerala (VFPCK). Seven technical sessions were organized covering the topics such as Improved production practices for domestic and export markets of major ornamental crops (Rose, Gerbera, Carnation, Tuberose, Chrysanthemum, Marigold, Aster, Gladiolus, orchids etc.), Improved production practices in vegetable crops for export (Open cultivation, Protected cultivation and Organic cultivation), Post Harvest Management practices of vegetables for export and value addition of vegetables for domestic purpose, Integrated disease management in horticultural crops in open & protected cultivation, Integrated pest management in horticultural crops in open & protected cultivation, Challenges of pesticide residue in vegetable and fruit crops and solutions for export, Improved production practices for Banana crop, Mushroom Production Technology etc. Field visits to demo blocks of vegetable crops, ornamental and medicinal crop fields, CoE, protected cultivation & vertical farming, IIHR Nursery units, Commercial Floriculture units in protected structures: Sharing of Experience at Sri Sai Flori tech, near Doddaballapur and Ekalavya Nursery at Shiluvepura were taken up. At the end of each session, participants interacted with the scientists and asked various queries and got detailed explanations. During the valedictory program held on 17/8/2023, certificates on completion of training were issued to the participants. Feedbacks from the trainees were recorded and vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Ramya H. R, Scientist. The entire program was coordinated by Dr. R.B.Tiwari, Mr. Atheequlla G.A and Dr. Ramya H R, Division of Social Sciences and Training, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru.
