The 10-day training programme on “Skill Development in Nursery Management of Horticultural Crops” was organized jointly by CHES, Chettalli and Division of Fruit Crops, ICAR-IIHR during 20 -29, November, 2023. The programme was funded by the RKVY-RAFTAAR project “Scaling up the production of quality planting materials of jack fruit, tamarind, dragon fruit and avocado through farmer participatory approach”. The aim of this training programme was to develop skill in unemployed youth in nursery management of horticulture crops. About 23 trainees (19 men and 4 women) from 7 different districts of Karnataka participated in the training programme. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. M. Sankaran, Principal Scientist and Head, Division of Fruit Crops, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru. The exhibition was also inaugurated and different materials used in production of quality plants were displayed. Dr. Rajendiran S., Senior Scientist and Head (i/c) welcomed the guests and briefed about the significance of programme. Dr. Muralidhara, B.M. Scientist, CHES, Chettalli, briefed the 10 days training schedule. The registration kit was distributed to the trainees by the guests.
The special invitee Dr. Sathisha J., Principal Scientist, Division of Fruit Crops, ICAR-IIHR, addressed the gathering and stressed on importance of quality planting material. The Chief Guest Shri Yogeesha H.R., Deputy Director of Horticulture, Madikeri addressed and motivated the trainees to take up the nursery business. In his presidential address, Dr. M. Sankaran suggested the trainees to learn all aspects scientifically. The vote of thanks was given by Dr. Nayan Deepak, G. Scientist, CHES, Chettalli at the end of inaugural programme. The training sessions included different aspects of nursery management viz., media preparation, propagation structures, propagation techniques in different fruits and plantation crops from 20th to 29th November 2023. The exposure visits to ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru and CHES, Hirehalli were arranged to trainees. The hands on training on different propagation techniques were also given to trainees.
During valedictory programme on 29th November 2023, Prof. S.K. Singh, Director, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, Dr. Ravishankar K.V., Principal Scientist & Nodal Officer, RKVY projects and Dr. Karunakaran G. Principal Scientist & Head, CHES-Hirehalli, were present. Prof. S.K. Singh emphasized the importance of quality planting material in fruit crops. Dr. Ravishankar K.V. and Dr. Karunakaran G. requested the trainees to utilize the knowledge obtained during training programme. Prof. S.K. Singh released training manual during the programme and distributed the certificates to all the trainees. The course directors of this programme were Dr. Karunakaran G. and Dr. Rajendiran S. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Muralidhara, B.M., Dr. Nayan Deepak G., Dr. Rani A.T., and Mr. Madhu G.S.
