ICAR IIHR Organizes One Day Training Programme on Canopy Management and Kokum Cultivation

Inaugural Session & Keynote Addresses

The event commenced at 10:00 AM in the Dr. G.S. Randhawa Auditorium with the rendering of Vande Mataram, the ICAR Song, and the traditional ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Dr. R. Senthilkumar, Head (i/c) & Principal Scientist, Division of Social Sciences & Training, welcomed the dignitaries and participants, providing a comprehensive overview of the training objectives.

Dr. M. Sankaran, Head, Division of Fruit Crops, highlighted the scientific significance of canopy architecture and systematic pruning in enhancing sunlight penetration, pest resistance, and overall yield in fruit trees. Chief Guest Dr. S. Prabhukumar, Former Director, ICAR-ATARI, Bengaluru, praised ICAR-IIHR's continuous efforts in transferring field-oriented technologies directly to the farming community. In his presidential address, Prof. T.K. Behera, Director, ICAR-IIHR, emphasized the adoption of high-value climate-resilient crops like Kokum alongside precision pruning methods for sustainable and profitable horticulture.

Hands-On Field Demonstrations

Following the inauguration, 116 farmers participants attended live field visits and hands-on pruning demonstrations conducted by eminent scientists from the Division of Fruit Crops:

• Guava Pruning & Training: Demonstrated by Dr. Anushma P. L., Senior Scientist, emphasizing canopy shape maintenance and ultra-high-density orchard management.

• Mango Pruning Techniques: Led by S. Sujatha, Principal Scientist, focusing on rejuvenation of old orchards, light interception, and crop load balancing.

• Kokum Cultivation Practices: Guided by Dr. Anuradha Sane, Principal Scientist, covering propagation, grafting, canopy structure, and field establishment of Kokum (Garcinia indica).

Technical Sessions & Varieties Showcase

Post-lunch technical sessions featured detailed lectures by Dr. R. Senthilkumar on step-by-step canopy management protocols and commercial prospects of Kokum cultivation. Dr. V. Sankar, Principal Scientist, presented an overview of high-yielding IIHR crop varieties, planting material availability, and institutional support for farming communities.

The day concluded with an interactive Q&A session where scientists addressed specific field queries from farmers, followed by a feedback and valedictory session. Participants expressed immense satisfaction with the practical orientation and technical depth of the training.