A practical demonstration on scientific kiwifruit pruning techniques conducted during the five-day KVK Phek training programme.
Phek, October 30 (MExN): ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Phek, organised a five-day skill enhancement training programme on scientific kiwifruit cultivation and value addition from October 26 to 30, with 15 farmers from Sakraba village participating in the programme. The training, held at KVK Phek, Porba and Sakraba village, was organised under ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, and ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Zone VII, Umiam.
Led by Dr Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Senior Scientist and Head, the programme aimed to enhance farmers' technical knowledge and practical skills in kiwifruit cultivation, orchard management and processing to improve farm income and livelihood opportunities.
Manjunath K S, Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture), delivered a technical session covering the selection of suitable kiwifruit cultivars, quality planting materials, propagation methods, orchard establishment, training systems, pruning and canopy management. The session highlighted the importance of selecting appropriate varieties and adopting scientific pruning and training techniques to maintain healthy and productive orchards.
Dzuzutolu Puro, Horticulture Inspector, Pfutsero, also delivered a technical lecture on kiwifruit cultivation, focusing on orchard management practices and field-level recommendations.
The programme included practical demonstrations at farmers' fields and the KVK farm on scientific pruning and training techniques, grafting methods, identification of male and female kiwifruit plants, and assessment of fruit maturity. As part of the field-based activities, the KVK team visited eight farmers' kiwifruit orchards and provided field-specific technical recommendations to improve orchard productivity, canopy management and overall crop performance.
A session on kiwifruit value addition was conducted by Vesapolu Hesuh, Quality Control Manager, Chakhesang Women Welfare Society. She demonstrated the preparation of kiwifruit candy, jam, wine and juice. The session highlighted the scope of processing and value addition in reducing post-harvest losses, extending product shelf life and creating additional income opportunities for rural households, particularly women farmers.
The programme also featured an interactive farmer-scientist session, during which participants shared their field experiences and discussed challenges in kiwifruit cultivation. Experts responded to their queries and provided technical guidance and practical solutions.
At the concluding session, participation certificates were distributed to the trainees. Secateurs were also provided to facilitate the adoption of scientific pruning practices in their respective orchards.
