The ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute (CCRI), Nagpur is currently hosting a three-day training program for citrus growers from Sitamarhi district, Bihar. This program, running from August 29th to 31st, 2024, has brought together 25 trainees under the leadership of R.D. Chourasia, BTM, ATMA, Sitamarhi.
The inaugural session on August 29th was led by Dr. Dilip Ghosh, Director of ICAR-CCRI, Nagpur. Dr. Ghosh provided valuable insights into the diverse varieties of lime and lemons cultivated in India. He emphasized the importance of selecting the appropriate flowering period to ensure a successful harvest of the Hasta Bahar fruit in April, which commands a premium price in the market. Dr. Ghosh also encouraged the participants to establish Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to maximize the benefits of various government schemes.
Dr. Harihar H. Kausadikar, Director (Research and Extension Education) at the Maharashtra Council of Agricultural Education and Research, Pune, served as the Chief Guest for the event. He urged the farmers to adopt scientific practices for acid lime cultivation and to source planting materials exclusively from certified nurseries to ensure high-quality yields.
The training program featured a series of technical sessions conducted by ICAR-CCRI scientists. Dr. Darshan Kadam provided guidance on establishing acid lime nurseries and orchards, along with a comprehensive package of cultivation practices. Dr. Thirugnanavel introduced the trainees to various lime and lemon varieties, highlighting their distinguishing characteristics. Dr. N.M. Meshram offered crucial information on managing insect pests that commonly affect acid lime plants.
As part of the program, participants visited the nursery and experimental blocks of acid lime and lemon plants at the institute. In the upcoming sessions, Dr. A.K. Das will focus on disease management for acid lime, while Dr. S.S. Roy will conduct an Entrepreneurship Development Program centered on acid lime production and processing.
Dr. Sangeeta Bhattacharyya, the training coordinator from ICAR-CCRI, Nagpur, has played a key role in organizing the event. To further aid the trainees, technical bulletins on "Production Technologies of Acid Lime" and a "Pocket Diary of Citrus Diseases and Insect Pests" were distributed.
The program will also include hands-on activities such as insect pest identification, Bordeaux mixture preparation, and a demonstration of pesticide spraying using drones. Additionally, an off-campus visit is planned to the orchards of progressive citrus growers in Wardha district.
