CHES (ICAR-IIHR), Bhubaneswar organized a training program on “Low Input Fruit Production for sustainability” on 7th March, 2020 with an aim to explore the potential of fruit crop cultivation through organic inputs and optimized utilization of production inputs for higher profitability. More than 40 farmers from different districts of Odisha namely Boudh, Nayagarh, Sundargarh, Baripada, Deogarh and Khurdha participated in the training program. Dr. A S. Rajput, Regional Director, Regional Station of Organic farming, in his inaugural address highlighted the importance of organic farming in Horticulture. Dr. G. C. Acharya, Head, CHES, Bhubaneswar highlighted the significance of low input fruit production for environmental sustainability and highlighted the activities of the station for the development of Horticulture. Sh. Akash Chourasia, a well-known progressive farmer of Madhya Pradesh, highlighted the advantages of organic farming and multilayer farming in horticulture. Dr. Kundan Kishore gave a brief account of the training program, whereas Dr. P Srinivas proposed the vote of thanks.
In the technical session, Dr. A S. Rajput presented detailed information on status and scope of organic farming in Horticulture and government initiatives in its promotion. Sh. Akash Chourasia presented various dimensions of organic farming for efficient management of water, nutrient and pests. He also described various types of inputs used in organic farming. Multilayer farming for higher production per unit area was also presented in detail by him. Dr. P Srinivas highlighted the cultivation of mango with organic inputs whereas suitability of fruit crops for organic cultivation and multilayer cropping of mango, dragon fruit and pineapple were described by Dr. Kundan Kishore. Through this training program participants got acquainted with various ways of organic farming and potential of multilayer farming. They were advised to take initiative to grow fruit crops with efficient management of inputs in order to enhance profitability and ensure environmental safety. The program was coordinated by Dr. Kundan Kishore.
