One day training cum interaction meet on spine gourd cultivation was organized at Central Horticultural Experiment Station (ICAR-IIHR), Chettalli on 19th September, 2020 in collaboration with ICAR- Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gonikoppal. In this programme, Dr. M. Senthilkumar, Scientist delivered the welcome address and explained the advantage of organic farming and the use of organic inputs in spine gourd for higher yield and quality. Dr. L.K. Bharathi (Principal Scientist, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru), spine gourd breeder, explained the various cultivation aspects of spine gourd such as planting, crop management, nutrient and water management, hand pollination techniques to be followed for better fruit set and higher yield. He had also enlightened the farmers about different wild species, cultivars, improved high yielding varieties and hybrids of spine gourd suitable for different regions. Further he demonstrated the propagation methods for multiplication of quality planting materials. Dr. Saju George [Principal Scientist and Head, KVK, Gonikoppal; Head (I/c), CHES, Chettalli] addressed the gathering and highlighted the scope, importance, spread, demand and economic advantages of spine gourd cultivation in the Kodagu region by citing some success stories. Spine gourd growers (20 farmers) from different parts of Karnataka such as Mangalore, Karwar, Shivomoga and Coorg have participated in this programme. Moreover, few farmers (Mr. Shankar Murthy, Thirthahalli, Shivamogga; Mr. Venkatesh, Bylakuppe, Kushal Nagara; Mr. Guruprasad M. Bhat and Mr. Subash Hegde, Yellapur, Karwar and Mr. Nazeer, Karkala, Mangalore) shared their experience of growing spine gourd and the yield realized (6-10 kg/plant), marketing and high returns due to higher market price of Rs. 80 to 200/kg. In the interactive session, all the farmers have actively interacted with the scientists and raised many fruitful questions like season and time of planting, yellowing of fruits, pest and disease management, soil and nutrient management, value addition and processing, etc. Dr. Rajendiran S., Scientist, suggested soil testing, soil acidity correction in paddy fields through applying lime or dolomite, and recommended soil and foliar application of magnesium sulphate and micronutrients for correcting yellowing of fruits. Dr. V. Venkattaravanappa, Scientist, explained the disease management in spine gourd. The scientists of the station clarified all their doubts and suggested suitable management and corrective measures. Subsequently, the farmers were taken to the spine gourd field as a field visit to show the cultivation method followed at this station. The farmers also expressed their gratitude to ICAR-IIHR-CHES, Chettalli for having organized training and interactive meet through which they were immensely benefitted. Finally the programme was ended with the formal vote of thanks. The entire programme was coordinated by Dr. M. Senthilkumar and Dr. Rajendiran, S.
