Chettalli, Dec. 8: ‘Off-season litchi fruit’ attracted the attention of farmers from rural and urban areas at the Horticultural Experimental Station in Chettalli in collaboration with the Central Horticultural Experiment Station and the High Value and Foreign Horticultural Crops Development Association.
Former Vice-Chancellor of Bihar Agricultural University Ajay Kumar Singh, who participated as the chief guest at the program, inaugurated the exhibition and program and said that the Indian Agricultural University is conducting research to grow litchi in the areas of India suitable for litchi cultivation. Accordingly, the ‘off-season litchi’ of Kodagu is one of them. Everyone is surprised when litchi grows in the month of December. He said that the Central varieties will be distributed as per the demand of farmers from the areas where litchi is mostly grown.
Dr., Director, National Litchi Research Institute Bikas Das said that litchi is mostly grown in Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal, and off-season litchi is attracting attention everywhere. He said that more emphasis will be given to litchi development in the 5-year plan.
Honorary Secretary of the Horticultural Crops Development Association and progressive farmer Bose Mandanna said that the Horticultural Experimental Station in Chettalli is doing a good job. He said that there is a lack of good varieties and markets for farmers. He said that by becoming a member of the Horticultural Crops Development Association, it will be possible to give more emphasis to agriculture.
Director of the Indian Horticultural Research Center Prof. T.K. Behara said that Kodagu is a suitable area for growing various fruits and vegetables throughout the Western Ghats region. There are more educated farmers here. He said that different varieties of litchi and rambutan fruits should be developed. He said that more emphasis should be given to organic farming.
A handbook on ‘Scientific cultivation of off-season litchi’ and ‘Challenges and management of litchi’ was released at the event. Achaiah, owner of Tank Side Estate in Palibetta, which has developed the largest litchi crop in Kodagu, and Vinal Somaiah, owner of Lakshimajala Estate in Madapura, were felicitated and honored.
Dr. Prakash Patil, Fruits Project Coordinator, welcomed the event, Dr. Rani A.T. compered the program, and Dr. Muralidaran, Head of the Center, proposed the vote of thanks.
A discussion was held between experts and farmers on litchi cultivation technology, marketing, challenges, disease management, and future prospects. A field visit was organized and the participating farmers directly got practical information about litchi plants at the center.
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