Under SCSP and TSP two different training programmes and input distribution (Chilli F1 hybrids) were organized by ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Palnadu District and the Department of Horticulture, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh on 27.06.2023. The event was attended by Sri. Siva Sankar Lotheti, I.A.S, Collector & District Magistrate, Palanadu, Dr. Gopireddy Srinivas Reddy, M.L.A., Narasaraopet Assembly constituency, Sri. B.J. Benny, District Horticulture Officer, Palnadu and officials from various departments, horticultural officers, farmers.
Sri. B.J Benny, DHO welcomed and introduced the importance of the training programme. In the Inauguration, Collector Sri. Siva Sankar Lotheti, I.A.S and Dr. Gopireddy Srinivas Reddy, M.L.A. praised the efforts of ICAR- Indian Institute of Horticultural Research in creating awareness about good agricultural practices, the introduction of new hybrids, awareness on black thrips management from past two years in the region. They interacted with farmers and encouraged them to adopt good scientific practices and ICAR-IIHR F1 hybrids in the region. Another training programme was conducted at Ponugupadu village, Guntur district, where in horticulture officer Mr. Ashok Reddy coordinated the programme.
Dr V Sridhar, Principal Scientist, ICAR-IIHR sensitized the farmers on Integrated Pest Management techniques in chilli with special emphasis on black thrips management and suggested available effective management protocols to the farmers. Dr Jayanthi Mala, Senior Scientist explained the activities of SCSP and TSP activities of the Institute and encouraged the farmers to adopt the recent technologies in enhancing the productivity and safe production of chilli. Dr Naresh Ponnam, Scientist explained about chilli F1 hybrids developed at ICAR-IIHR and their characteristics and emphasized on good agricultural practices like FYM enrichment, use of Arka Microbial Consortium, Arka Vegetable special and good drying methods of chilli. Further seeds of chilli F1 hybrids Arka Saanvi, Arka Yashasvi, Arka Tejasvi and Arka Meghana were distributed to the SCSP and TSP beneficiary farmers along with vegetable seed kits.
