An off-campus training program on “Improved Vegetable Production Technologies” was conducted on 16th January 2025 at Byrappanahalli village in Chikkaballapura district as part of the DST-1817 project entitled “Enhancing Livelihood Security of Small-Holder Farm Women of Karnataka through Horticultural Interventions Using Pluralistic Extension Approaches” (DST-STIHCB1817). The program aimed to empower rural farm women by introducing them to advanced horticultural technologies, thereby enhancing their nutritional security through vegetable cultivation.
The sessions were planned in such as a way to equip the farmers with comprehensive knowledge about improved vegetable cultivation technologies. The scientist-farmer interface was held for ensuring wider adoption of improved vegetable production technologies. A key feature of the program was the demonstration and handover of the Arka Onion Seeder, a tractor-operated machine developed by ICAR-IIHR. Dr. Carolin Rathinakumari explained about the machine's features, highlighting its potential to significantly reduce production. The equipment had been modified based on feedback collected during a previous visit, ensuring that it met the specific needs of the farmers. The Seeder was handed over to the Cheluru HFPCL of Chelur village in the presence of farmers after demonstrating its use in the farmers’ field.
Further, inputs including the Arka Seed Kit—comprising eight improved varieties and hybrids of vegetable crops—along with Arka Microbial Consortia to enhance soil fertility and Arka Vegetable Special to boost yields, were distributed to the beneficiary farmers. These inputs were aimed at promoting sustainable and efficient vegetable farming among the participants. The program was coordinated by Dr. Ramya H. R., PI, DST project, Dr. Balakrishna B. (Co-PI) and Dr. Carolin Rathinakumari (Co-PI).
