Two days training programme from 4th to 5th March, 2024 on “Advanced cultivation for sub- Tropical Fruits” has been organised by Abhinavakrishi Research Organization, Sambalpur, Odisha in collaboration with the Indo-Israel Centre of Excellence – Centre for Subtropical Fruits, Ladwa, Kurukshetra, Haryana.
Day one of the programme focused on Advanced production technology and understanding the specific requirements of several sub-tropical fruit species such as Pomegranate, Mango, Guava, Sapota and Litchi. Apart from that the first day of the program focused on training and pruning practices that help maintain the balance between vegetative and reproductive growth, ensuring healthy fruit production. Discussions were carried out on several methods to facilitate the adaptation of low-chilling temperate fruit varieties of pear, peach, plum, and apple in sub-tropical areas & tropical highlands of India.
The second day of training commenced with a visit to the food processing unit of Mr. Dharambir Kamboj Ji at Damla, Yamunanagar, Haryana. His innovation of “Multi-Purpose Food Processing Machine” not only expands the scope for fruit processing but also advocates for possibilities of employment generation and reduced food waste. Through his Multipurpose Food processing machine, which operates on principles encompassing cutting, mixing, pulping, juicing and distillation, he has paved the way for the comprehensive utilization of fruits, vegetables and flowers. The same apparatus can be employed for extracting essential oils from aromatic and medicinal plants. Producing pulped juice and preparing juice that is ready for immediate consumption. Afterwards, farmers actively participated in practical sessions focusing on different grafting and budding techniques, that are essential for producing robust seedlings ready for transplantation, specifically tailored for subtropical fruits at CSTF, Ladwa.
With the collaborative efforts of both organizations, farmers gained valuable insights into improving fruit production in sub-tropical as well as tropical fruit species cultivation and nursery management. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to address the specific challenges of fruit cultivation in tropical and subtropical climates of India. Participants engaged in discussions regarding potential collaborations between CSTF, Ladwa, and Abhinavakrishi, Sambalpur.
The goal is to leverage each other’s expertise for the adaptation of low-chill temperate fruit varieties in the Eastern Ghats hills of Odisha. This partnership has the potential to significantly impact fruit production addressing our sole vision towards achieving excellence in innovative farming practices for the improvement of small and marginal farmers of India.
Jai Bharat Jai Kisan (www.abhinavakrishi.com)
Abhinavakrishi Research Organization Sambalpur Odisha
