A training program was organized on Production and Processing and Value-added products of Garcinia Spp on 17-03-2025 under RKVY admin project to raise awareness about different Garcinia species. About 20 participants attended the program inlcuding six women small-scale entrepreneurs from Puttur, DK district of Karnataka and twelve students and two staff members from GPS institute of agricultural management, Peenya, Bengaluru. Dr M Sankaran, Head, Division of Fruit crops in his presidential remarks shared insights on the current status of research on fruit crops at ICAR-IIHR, highlighting its importance for supporting farmers’ livelihoods and promoting crop diversification. Dr K V Ravishankar, Nodal Officer, RKVY discussed various applications of Garcinia and motivated farmers to cultivate it and explore its utilization. Dr. Anuradha Sane, Course director provided participants with detailed guidance on cultivation and management practices, of three commonly cultivated species of Garcinia namely G. indica, G. gummi-gutta and G. xanthochymus followed by a field visit. During visit to the field gene bank of Garcinia, participants received Hands-on training in several aspects of cultivation,including identification of male and female trees.
Dr Senthil Kumar shared the history and success stories of Garcinia cultivation and its value addition. Dr Kanupriya elaborated on the nutritional benefits and medicinal properties of different species. Dr. R.B. Tiwari presented the potential of value-added products of Garcinia indica and the use of natural colorants in value-added products of amla and other minor fruits. Dr Bhuvaneswari emphasized the advantages of natural colorants in food products and a demonstration on pulping, preparing powders, and exploring various food product applications to the participants. The participants expressed satisfaction with training, appreciating the crop stand in the field, nutritional and medicinal benefits as well as the value-added products. Director in charge, Dr Prakash Patil, in his concluding remarks, encouraged the farmers to explore the commercial potential of Garcinia, which is valued for its medicinal properties and use in food products. Dr Patil urged students to gain insights into sustainable agricultural practices of Garcinia and to explore entrepreneurship opportunities in this crop.
