The 10-day training programme on “Scientific Approach Towards Production and Processing of Kamalam (Dragon Fruit)” was successfully conducted by the Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Kamalam, ICAR-IIHR, Bangalore. The training aimed to equip participants with cutting-edge scientific knowledge and practical skills in Kamalam production, processing, and value addition. A total of 13 participants, including scientists, assistant and associate professors, Subject matter specialists from KVK, Horticultural officers and research associates from 7different states attended the programme. The primary objective of the training was to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the modern and scientific practices involved in the cultivation, post-harvest handling, and processing of Kamalam fruit, thereby enhancing productivity, quality, and profitability.
The training programme was inaugurated on 18th September by Dr. Prakash Patil, Director (I/c), who has emphasized the potential of Kamalam fruit as a high-value crop and encouraged participants to apply scientific methods for increasing yields and developing value-added products. The opening ceremony also featured remarks from Dr. M. Sankaran, Head, Division of Fruit Crops and Dr. Karunakaran, PI (CoE Kamalam), who outlined the focus areas of the training. The 10 day training programme was scheduled in 5 modules, covering a wide spectrum of topics related to Kamalam fruit viz. (i) Agronomic practices (Varieties, propagation, Integrated Nutrient Management, Irrigation Water Management, Pruning, Off season production, sunburn injury management etc.); (ii) Plant protection measures (Integrated Pest and Disease management including role of pollinators etc.); (iii) Postharvest supply chain (including maturity indices, harvesting, handling, sorting, grading, Processing and Value addition); (iv) Business and marketing strategies (One day national webinar was organized highlighting the entrepreneurial opportunities, demand at domestic and export markets, tips for branding and marketing by innovative growers and young entrepreneurs which was witnessed by 125 zoom participants and 2617 youtube viewers online); and (v) Field visits (Chinasyaa Agri Farm, Hiriyur Dt., Karnataka Exotic Fruit Farmers Association, Progressive farm at Gubbi, Tumkur; Javal, Arsikere; CHES, Hirehalli; CHES, Chettalli) and Hands on experience (value addition of dragon fruit and preparation of fortified cookies and dip tea from dragon fruit powder).
The training program was concluded on 27th September 2024 under the chairmanship of Prof. S.K. Singh, DDG (Hort.), Dr. T.K. Behera, Director, ICAR-IIHR, and Dr. D.P. Waskar, Former Director of Research, VNMKV, Parbhani. The dignitaries have released the training compendium as well as a technical bulletin during the valedictory session. Over all, the 10-day training programme was a resounding success, achieving its objective of promoting the scientific cultivation and processing of Kamalam fruit. The Centre of Excellence for Kamalam at ICAR-IIHR will continue its efforts to support farmers and entrepreneurs in adopting innovative practices to enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability in Kamalam farming.
The Course Directors for this training program are Dr. G. Karunakaran and Dr. M. Sankaran; while Co-Course Directors are Dr. Senthil kumar R., Dr. Sankar, V. and Dr. Vijay Rakesh Reddy S. and Course Co-ordinators are Mrs. P.L. Anushma, Dr. Linta Vincent and Dr. Anupa, T.
