A special training programme on “Advances in Horticultural Production Technologies” for the farmers of Krishnagiri and Tirupur Districts of Tamil Nadu was organised at ICAR-IIHR, Bangalore from 2nd-4th August, 2022. The purpose of the training progarmme was to create awareness among the farmers about ICAR-IIHR technologies. Dr. R. Venkattakumar, Principal Scientist & Head (I/c), Division of Social Science and Training, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru welcomed the gathering and explained about ICAR-IIHR technologies for doubling the farmers’ income. The presidential address was given by Dr. P.C. Tripathi, Nodal Officer, PME Cell and he emphasised on developing entrepreneurs through various ICAR-IIHR technologies including seed production and quality planting materials multiplication. Dr. V. Sankar delivered lecture on "Varieties and hybrids of IIHR developed vegetable crops and latest production technologies of ICAR-IIHR”, followed by Nutrient management and soilless cultivation in horticultural crops handled by Dr. D Kalaivanan. Dr. T. Usha Bharathi handled the classes on ICAR-IIHR flower crop technologies later on ICAR-IIHR fruit crop technologies and other commercial horticultural technologies explained by Dr. R. Senthil Kumar. A panel discussion by Dr. V. Sridhar, Dr. R. Uma Maheswari and Dr. G.M. Sandeep Kumar explained about integrated pest and disease management in horticultural crops and also use of bio nematicide application in various horticultural crops. Field visit to demonstration block, polyhouses, ATIC, Vegetable Seed Unit, Ekalavya Private Nursery, Mushroom Lab, Nursery Units and farmers’ field visits were made. During the training programme, 21 SC farmers from Krishnagiri and Tirupur districts were identified and distributed with ICAR-IIHR developed products comprising micronutrients and biofertilizer. This programme was attended by 85 farmers and 5 officials from Department of Horticulture and Plantation crops, Government of Tamil Nadu, Krishnagiri and Tiruppur Districts of Tamil Nadu. The whole programme was coordinated by Dr. R. Venkattakumar, Dr. V. Sankar and Dr. R. Senthil Kumar of Division of Social Sciences and Training, ICAR-IIHR, Bangalore.
