ICAR-IIHR has organized a Field day on Crossandra in the farmer’s field in Doddabuvanahalli village of Malavalli Tq., Mandya Dist. on 16th Jan, 2020. It was in the Crossandra field of Mr. Mahesh who is growing Crossandra since 8 years and IIHR varieties since 3 years.
Mr. Mahesh being a medium farmer nowadays very popular because of his entrepreneurial ship. About 6 years he has grown Crossandra of local variety and supplying to the local markets. About 4 years back he came in contact with ICAR-IIHR, Hesaraghatta because of Regional Horticultural Fair and very much impressed upon standing crop of IIHR Crossandra varieties. Dr. C Ashwath, Principal Scientist and Head (I/C), Division of Ornamentals and Medicinal Crops convinced him to go for varieties of IIHR. Mr. Mahesh started cultivating Crossandra varieties of IIHR i.e. Arka Shravya, Arka Shreya and Arka Ambara and getting the benefit. Recently he started cultivating 2000 Nos. of Arka Chenna variety and reaping more benefits.
Field day on Arka Chenna
By considering the popularity and profitability of Arka Chenna variety ICAR-IIHR has organised a Field day in Doddabuvanahalli, Malavalli Tq., Mandya Dist. by involving more number of farmers to educate them for its profitability.
Mr. Mahesh shared his experience in Crossandra crop among other horticulture farmers. There were 56 farmers from different villages participated in the field day. The Scientist – Farmers interface was also held, where a majority of the farmers shared their experiences.
Dr. C Ashwath lauded the efforts of Mr. Mahesh and explained all the Crossandra varieties to the farmers. According to the market preference, farmers can go for Crossandra varieties with suitable production technologies. He also answered the queries of participants. Mr. Mahesh was under the impression that the variety Arka Chenna is highly profitable crop for all small and marginal farmers. He shared his experience of growing 2000 Crossandra at spacing recommended by IIHR i.e. 2 feet from plant to plant and 3 feet from row to row. He is getting on an average 65 kgs/ week of flowers with average price of Rs. 350/ kg. The Arka Chenna variety is high yielder and gives medium-sized flowers which are highly preferred in the markets.
