The ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) Bengaluru organized the off-campus training program on “Canopy management in fruit crops” followed by distribution of vegetables seed kits and fruit planting materials like guava (Arka Kiran) and mango (Raspuri) to the selected tribal beneficiaries of Pachamalai Hills of Trichy district of Tamil Nadu. This program was organized under AINTHIAI Mission funded by Department of Tribal Welfare, Chennai on December 22, 2024 at Community hall, China ilupur of Pachamalai hills. The programme was inaugurated by Honourable DDG (Hort) Dr. S. K.Singh, ICAR, New Delhi. He emphasized about the use of various farmers’ friendly ICAR-IIHR technologies. The programme was started with welcome address by Dr. D. Balu, Consultant, Tribal welfare department. Dr. R. Senthil Kumar, Principal Scientist and PI of the project narrated the importance of soil health and its management for successful cultivation of fruit and vegetable crops and importance of pruning and training of various fruit crops. Dr V. Sankar, Principal Scientist and CO-PI and Coordinator of the programme explained about the significance of ICAR-IIHR vegetable technologies for increasing the income of the tribal farmers and importance of kitchen garden for nutritional security. Different aspects of cultivation of vegetables including new varieties/hybrids were also covered. This programme was attended by 50 tribal farmers (41 Male & 9 female) of Pachamalai Hills of Trichy district of Tamil Nadu. Mr K Suryamurthi from Division of Social Science and Training, ICAR-IIHR, Bangalore also participated.
