ICAR IIHR CHES, Chettalli Organizes a Training on ‘Scientific Cultivation of Coorg Mandarin’ and Input Distribution on 13 October 2026

The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Muralidhara B. M., Senior Scientist and Head (I/c), ICAR-IIHR-CHES, Chettalli. He welcomed the dignitaries, scientists, departmental officials and participating farmers and outlined the objectives of the PM-RKVY project emphasizing the need to rejuvenate Coorg mandarin cultivation and strengthen farmers’ livelihoods through scientific interventions, capacity building and input support. Dr. Sangappa, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Gonikoppalu, Kodagu, highlighted the scope for value addition to Coorg mandarin. He suggested farmers to acquire practical knowledge and develop entrepreneurial skills for processing, product development and income generation.

Dr. A. B. Thammaiah, President, Agricultural Sciences Forum of Kodagu (ASFK), Ponnampet, Kodagu, emphasized the need to strengthen the marketing of Coorg mandarin through effective branding, attractive packaging and market-oriented strategies. He also suggested to promote the fruits among tourists visiting Kodagu to improve consumer awareness, expand market opportunities and enhance the visibility of this regionally important fruit.

Dr. Ravishankar K. V., Principal Scientist and Nodal Officer (PM-RKVY), ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, explained the objectives and significance of the PM-RKVY project and discussed the importance of improving the quality and marketability of Coorg mandarin. He highlighted opportunities for expanding markets, including the export potential of mandarins, and stressed the importance of maintaining fruit quality, adopting appropriate packaging practices and strengthening marketing strategies to improve farmers’ returns. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Nayan Deepak G., Senior Scientist, ICAR-IIHR-CHES, Chettalli, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, scientists, departmental officials and participating farmers for their valuable contributions and active participation.

The technical sessions were followed by a scientist–farmer interaction, during which participants had the opportunity to exchange practical experiences, discuss field-level challenges and seek expert guidance on Coorg mandarin cultivation and orchard management. The programme also included the distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers through the designated input distribution committee. This initiative was intended to support the adoption of recommended cultivation practices and strengthen the implementation of the project’s objectives at the farmers’ level.