Horticulture Crops are Essential to Increase Farmers Income, says IIPM Director

Indian Institute of Plantation Management, Bengaluru, hosted a five-day training programme for senior officials from the Government of Andhra Pradesh on managing horticulture exports. "Horticulture plantation, which is gaining importance in India, is critical to increasing farmer income," said Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Director of IIPM.

The programme covered a wide range of topics, including an overview of horticulture exports, emerging opportunities and challenges in export markets, international market and branding strategies, food safety and quality issues, export finance, policy, and procedures.

Rajendra Kumar Kataria, Principal Secretary (Horticulture), Government of Karnataka, delivered the valedictory address, emphasizing the implementation strategy adopted for horticulture development in the state, which could be replicated in other states.

He emphasized the importance of training in improving field officials' skills, allowing them to better serve the farming community and contribute to the improvement of the state's horticulture.

"IIPM, an autonomous institute of the Government of India, is a flagship institute with expertise in managing the entire value chain of a wide range of plantation crops, including plantation forestry, horticulture, fodder, commodities, spices, and other associated Agri and processed food industry, from cultivation to processing and marketing in domestic and international markets," said Joshi.

"The institute is poised to leapfrog rapidly in order to make the Indian plantation and agro-industry globally competitive,".

About IIPM:

The Indian Institute of Plantation Management (IIPM) Bengaluru is an autonomous institution established in 1993 by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, to provide professional management education in the field of plantations and related agribusiness.

The Institute's mission is to provide education, research, training, development, and consulting services to the industry and other organizations involved in the economic and social development of the plantation and related agribusiness sector.

The Institute offers professional courses to young aspirants in order to help them find entry-level managerial positions in agri-plantations, food, export, and other related industries. The Institute also serves as a resource centre for the government and industry, conducting research on sector-related policy, strategic, and operational issues.