The four-day training program on "Hi-Tech Horticulture" was organized at ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru from 25.11.2024 to 28.11.2024 for 20 farmers from ATMA Saharsa, Bihar. The primary objective of the program was to enhance the knowledge and skills of farmers in advanced horticultural practices. There were series of interactive sessions covering diverse topics in horticulture viz., advanced ICAR-IIHR technologies in fruit crops, floriculture, vegetable crops, and medicinal crops. Additionally, farmers were trained on pest and disease management strategies for major horticultural crops, post-harvest technologies and mushroom production techniques. Modern cultivation methods, such as soilless cultivation of vegetables and medicinal crops, and the use of bio-fertilizers for soil nutrient management, were also highlighted. Further, the program incorporated interactive sessions on mobile and web-based applications for horticulture as well as preparing business plans for agricultural enterprises.
Exposure visits were organized and on-campus visits included Center of Excellence on Protected Cultivation, IIHR fruit nursery and demonstration blocks of vegetables and fruits. Off-campus visits were arranged to CHES, Hirehalli for exposure to Center of Excellence on dragon fruit and other fruit crop cultivation practices. Furthermore, the farmers visited commercial nurseries such as Hithkari Nursery and Ekalavya Nursery, where they gained insights into practical applications of horticultural techniques.
The training concluded with the collection of feedback, course evaluation and valedictory session on 28.11.2024. The training was coordinated by Dr. Ramya H.R., Dr. V.K.J. Rao, Dr. Atheequlla G.A. from the Division of Social Sciences and Training and Dr. Rajiv Kumar from the Division of Flower and Medicinal Crops.
