Field Day on Avocado varieties, Arka Supreme and Arka Coorg Ravi on 10 July 2026

The programme commenced with welcome address by Dr. Manjunath B. L., Principal Scientist, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru. This was followed by a technical session, Dr. Muralidhara B. M., Senior Scientist and Head (I/c), CHES, Chettalli briefed about the varieties and suitability for commercial cultivation. Dr. Karunakaran G., Principal Scientist, ICAR-IIHR, delivered a lecture on advanced production technologies in avocado, covering scientific cultivation practices, orchard management and productivity enhancement techniques.

The programme also recognized the contributions of progressive farmer through a felicitation and feedback session, where Mr. N. Ravindra shared his experience in avocado cultivation. This was followed by remarks from Dr. Shivanand Hongal, Coordinator, KVK-Kolar emphasizing the importance of adopting improved horticultural technologies and exotic fruit crops. Further guidance was provided by Dr. Prakash Patil, Project Coordinator, AICRP (Fruits), ICAR-IIHR, who discussed the role of coordinated research programmes in promoting fruit crop development. Prof. Tusar Kanti Behera, Director, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, in his presidential address,  urged upon farmers to adopt improved avocado varieties and modern cultivation practices to enhance productivity and income. Dr. Rajendiran S., Senior Scientist, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, explained about nutrient management in avocado. Dr. Rani A. T., Scientist, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, created awareness on major insect pests of avocado and integrated pest management. Mr. Madhu G. S., Scientist, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, discussed major avocado diseases, especially wilt disease and explained their symptoms, prevention and management practices.

An interactive session enabled farmers to directly engage with scientists, seek solutions to field-level challenges and exchange practical experiences. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Nayan Deepak G., Senior Scientist, CHES, Chettalli. All participants were taken around the field to practically witness the performance of two varieties. The programme had about 120 participants including farmers, department officials, scientists, and other stakeholders.