Organisers, resource persons, and participating farmers pose for a photo with the banner during the training programme on scientific cultivation of kiwifruit at ICAR-KVK, Phek, on September 30.
Phek, October 1 (MExN): ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Phek, in collaboration with ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH), Srinagar, organised a training programme on scientific cultivation of kiwifruit at the KVK campus on September 30. The programme focused on improving kiwifruit production through scientific orchard management, suitable varietal selection, propagation, training and pruning practices, as well as better post-harvest management.
Farmers from Porba, Pholami, Middle Khomi, K Basa, Thipuzu and Khezhakeno participated in the programme and shared field-level experiences and production-related issues.
Dr Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Phek, highlighted the potential of kiwifruit cultivation to improve farm income and strengthen horticulture-based livelihoods in Phek district. He also stressed the scope for value addition and improved post-harvest management to enhance the market potential of the fruit.
The need to adopt climate-resilient production practices amid changing weather conditions and El Niño-related variability was also discussed. Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture) Manjunath K S delivered a technical presentation covering selection of suitable cultivars, quality planting material, propagation methods, orchard establishment, training systems, pruning and canopy management.
A farmer-scientist interaction was also held, during which participants raised queries on orchard management, propagation, training and pruning, varietal selection and other production constraints. The experts provided recommendations and practical solutions suited to the local conditions of Phek district.
