The Horticultural College and Research Institute (HC&RI) in Periyakulam, Theni district, has created a one-of-a-kind 'IHCS model for drylands' on a 2.5-acre plot with drought-tolerant fruit crops like jamun, manila tamarind, wood apple, and fig.
P Jeyakumar, Director, Directorate of Planning and Monitoring, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, inaugurated the model, saying it would benefit farmers and the scientific community in the region.
Addressing the event on ‘Integrated Horticulture Based Cropping System for Drylands’ to focus on sustainable production in rainfed farming on Wednesday organised by HC&RI. He outlined the numerous opportunities for improving horticultural crops in the state. With a national coverage of 27.48 million hectares and an annual production of 343.63 million tonnes, he believes there is enormous room for growth.
Improved varieties and technological interventions in dryland conditions would result in a shift in horticultural crop activities in Tamil Nadu. Traditional practices needed to be shifted towards an integrated cropping system, which would help expand crop coverage, productivity, and the livelihood status of small and marginal farm holdings.
Dean J. Rajangam of the HC&RI discussed nutritional security, soil and water conservation, post-harvest management, value addition, and marketing of minor dryland fruits. In Tamil Nadu, 7.5% of the soils were problematic, that is, saline, sodic, and alkaline, necessitating tolerant dryland fruit crops with desired varieties for profitable commercial exploitation.
Senthil Kumar, Joint Director (Agriculture), and Arumugam, Deputy Director (Horticulture), highlighted the effective transfer of technologies, adoption, and government schemes available to dryland farmers.
Heads of the Department (Fruits & Plant Protection) S. Saraswathy and C. Muthaiah spoke on scientific technologies for input use efficiency, nutrient management, and integrated pest and disease management in fruit crops. Muthuramalingam moved for a vote of thanks.
