Improved varieties and hybrids play important role in enhancing the production. ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru developed many fruits and vegetable varieties for the benefit of farmers for increasing the profitability from cultivation. To benefit the farmers especially Schedule Tribe farmers ICAR-IIHR Bengaluru in collaboration with ICAR-KVK, Hirehalli Tumakuru organized a program on “Fruit sapling distribution for higher production” at Rajavanthi, Pavagada under Tribal sub plan project on 31.07.2020. Schedule tribe beneficiary farmers were identified from six villages of Pavagada taluk, Tumakuru District. Dr. Loganandhan, Principal Scientist and Head, KVK, Hirehalli highlighted the importance of TSP project and its extension to Tumakuru Dist. He explained the farmers about Dry land fruit crops and how to adopt package of practices of important crops for higher returns. Dr. Prasanna Kumar, Scientist (Entomology) highlighted the importance of demonstrations of ICAR-IIHR technologies. Mr. S Shivaprasad, member of ICAR-IIHR- RAC, appreciated efforts of Indian Institute of Horticultural Research for its innovative technologies and farmer friendly programmes. He thanked the Director and KVK for implementing the TSP programme in Pavagada taluk. Mr. Prashanth J.M. SMS (Horticulture) explained about fruit crop Varieties, method of planting and maintenance. At the end of the programme, quality planting materials of Mango, Guava, Custard apple and Vegetable seed kit (Arka Varieties) were distributed. This programme was coordinated by Dr. Loganandhan, Principal Scientist and Head, KVK and Dr. Sreenivas aMurthy, Principal Scientist and Nodal Officer of TSP Project of IIHR. More than 150 tribal beneficiaries of Pavagada taluk attended the programme.
