ICAR-KVK Phek Organises Five-Day Skill Enhancement Training on Scientific Kiwifruit Cultivation and Value Addition

30 October 2026, Phek

ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Phek, under ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, in collaboration with ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes, Zone VII, Umiam, organised a five-day Skill Enhancement Training Programme on “Scientific Kiwifruit Cultivation and Value Addition for Enhanced Farmers’ Income and Livelihoods” from 26 to 30 October 2026 at KVK Phek, Porba and Sakraba village in Phek district, Nagaland.

The programme aimed to strengthen farmers’ technical knowledge and practical skills in scientific kiwifruit cultivation, orchard management and value addition to enhance farm productivity, income and livelihood opportunities.

The technical sessions covered key aspects of kiwifruit cultivation, including the selection of suitable cultivars and quality planting materials, propagation methods, orchard establishment, training systems, pruning and canopy management. Emphasis was laid on adopting appropriate varietal selection and scientific orchard management practices to ensure healthy and productive orchards.

The training featured hands-on demonstrations at farmers’ fields and the KVK farm on scientific pruning and training techniques, different grafting methods, identification of male and female plants, and assessment of fruit maturity. These practical sessions provided participants with first-hand experience of essential orchard management practices. The KVK team also visited eight farmers’ kiwifruit orchards and offered field-specific technical recommendations to improve orchard productivity, canopy management and overall crop performance.

A dedicated session on kiwifruit value addition demonstrated the preparation of various products, including candy, jam, wine and juice. The session highlighted the scope of fruit processing in reducing post-harvest losses, extending product shelf life and creating additional income-generating opportunities, particularly for rural women.

An interactive farmer–scientist session provided a platform for participants to share their field experiences and discuss challenges associated with kiwifruit cultivation. The experts addressed their queries and provided practical solutions and technical guidance.

During the concluding session, participation certificates were distributed to the trainees, and secateurs were provided to encourage the adoption of scientific pruning practices in their orchards. The programme combined technical knowledge with practical field-based learning, equipping farmers with improved skills in kiwifruit cultivation and value addition for sustainable income generation.

A total of 15 farmers from Sakraba village participated in the programme.

(Source-ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Phek, Nagaland)