The Planting Material Sales Outlet at Hirehalli was inaugurated on 20th July, 2024 by the Chief Guest, Prof. Sanjay Kumar Singh, Honourable Deputy Director General (Horticulture Sciences) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi in the presence of Dr. Tusar Kanti Behera, Director, ICAR-IIHR, Heads of Divisions, Chief Administrative Officer, Senior Finance and Accounts Officer and Head, KVK. The event was attended by scientists, Assistant Chief Technical Officer (Works), students, farmers, members of the Karnataka Exotic Fruit Farmers Association (KEFA), former staff members and representatives from the press and media.
The Sales Unit was established as part of Centre of Excellence for Kamalam Fruit, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), Government of India. An Interaction Meet on Kamalam Fruit (Dragon Fruit) and other fruit crops was also organized on this occasion. Dr. G. Karunkaran, Principal Scientist and Incharge of Hirehalli Farm, welcomed the gathering and expressed the gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the Hirehalli farm a model farm and sought support for developing it into an agro-eco-tourist place. The farmers raised concerns about shelf life of Kamalam fruit, value addition possibilities and value chain creation. Jackfruit farmers requested support for the GI-tag for red aril jackfruit, while tamarind farmers sought help in creating harvesting devices.
Dr. M. Sankaran, Head, Division of Fruit Crops responded to the concerns and mentioned that value added products of Kamalam fruit are ready for commercialization. Dr. Tusar Kanti Behera commended the progress at Hirehalli farm and highlighted the need to focus on traditional minor fruits and vegetables. Prof. Sanjay Kumar Singh praised the progress towards a model nursery sales outlet. He highlighted the farm's strategic location and urged farmers and the institute to collaborate on the Government of India's proposed initiatives on 'Crop based cluster development'. He discussed the potential for exporting fruit crops and the benefits of value addition, such as extracting seed oil from Kamalam fruit. He encouraged farmers to adopt circular economy practices and stay connected with the institute for entrepreneurship and incubation support.
