ICAR-IARI, New Delhi Organises Training and Exposure Visit for Citrus Farmers from Telangana

14 October 2026, New Delhi

ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, organised a three-day training and exposure programme on “Citrus Production and Processing Technologies” from 12 to 14 October 2026 for citrus farmers from Nalgonda district, Telangana. The programme aimed to enhance farmers’ knowledge of improved citrus production practices, processing technologies, value addition, crop diversification and sustainable agricultural practices.

As part of the exposure programme, the farmers visited Azadpur Fruit Mandi, Delhi, on 12 October to gain insights into fruit marketing, market operations and supply chains. On 13 October, they visited the farm of Padma Shri awardee Shri Kanwal Singh Chauhan at Aterna, Sonipat, Haryana, and the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), Kundli, to learn about innovative farming practices, food processing and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Dr Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-IARI, addressed the participating farmers and highlighted the institute’s significant contributions to agricultural research, technology development and the promotion of sustainable agri-food systems. He emphasised the importance of crop diversification in enhancing farmers’ income, reducing production risks and strengthening the resilience of farming systems. Appreciating the farmers of Telangana for exploring citrus cultivation as an alternative avenue, he encouraged them to adopt improved production technologies, efficient water management practices and scientific crop management techniques.

The training programme, held on 14 October 2026 at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, commenced with a welcome address by Dr R. N. Padaria, Joint Director (Extension), ICAR-IARI. He reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to serving the farming community through research, technological advancement and farmer-oriented extension initiatives. He also appreciated the farmers of Telangana for embracing crop diversification and taking progressive steps towards exploring alternative crops to enhance farm income and promote sustainable agriculture.

Technical sessions covered the importance, varieties and production technologies of citrus crops; advanced production practices; citrus processing technologies; and value-added products and the valorisation of citrus fruits.

The participants visited the Citrus Orchard, the Unit of Vegetable Research and Development (UVRD), and the Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology (CPCT) to gain practical exposure to citrus cultivation, vegetable production and protected cultivation technologies.

The programme emphasised the importance of diversifying farming systems beyond conventional crops, strengthening farmers’ understanding of market-oriented production and encouraging value addition to improve farm profitability. It also highlighted opportunities for water conservation, efficient irrigation, resource recycling and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi)