Central Horticultural Experiment Station (ICAR-IIHR), Chettalli organized a Training Programme on “Rejuvenation of Coorg Mandarin cum Input Distribution” under RKVY project on 23rd September, 2024 at CHES, Chettalli. The main aim of the programme was to provide scientific training and inputs for rejuvenation of Coorg Mandarin. The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr. T. K. Behera, Director, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru and other guests. Exhibition includes the display of different citrus species, Coorg mandarin pest, disease and nutrient deficiency specimens and inputs for rejuvenation. Dr. Sankaran, M., Head, Division of Fruit Crops, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru welcomed the gathering and briefed the importance of programme. Dr. Ravishankar, K.V. Nodal Officer, RKVY Cell, ICAR-IIHR instructed the beneficiaries for effective implementation of programme. The Guest of Honour Smt. Likitha Raj, SADH, Somwarpete, shared the different schemes available in state department for Coorg mandarin cultivation. The Chief Guest Dr. Deepaja, S.M., Joint Director of Agriculture (Extension, Training and e-Governance), RKVY, GoK, appreciated the efforts of Scientists in bringing the project and briefed the importance of Coorg mandarins, Coorg honey and Mushrooms. Mr. Pramod Rai, Progressive Planter, Suntikoppa, shared his experience and performance of Coorg mandarin Rejuvenation Technology in improving yield and farm income.
Four scientific extension folders were released and distributed for the effective utilization of inputs. Dr. T.K. Behera, Professor and Director (ICAR-IIHR) presided over the inaugural programme and suggested the growers for making separate brand for marketing the Coorg mandarins and Coorg Honey. He also suggested scientists to conserve the underutilized and exotic fruits in field gene banks. The technical presentations covered production technology of Coorg mandarin and diseases and pests management in Coorg mandarin. Farmers-Scientist Interaction was organized. Field visit to Coorg Mandarin orchards was also arranged. More than 150 farmers from Madikeri, Hassan and Chikkamaglur districts of Karnataka were participated in the programme. The different inputs viz., fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, Arka citrus special, AMC, tricoderma, secateurs, punning saw etc. were distributed to the 100 identified farmers for rejuvenation of Coorg mandarins.
