Training Programme on Turmeric Production, Processing and Marketing

A training programme on ‘Turmeric Production, Processing and Marketing’  was organized by Horticulture Sciences section of ICAR-CCARI during 9-13 March, 2020, exclusively for 15 farmers representing Panchkula and Ambal districts of Haryana State, sponsored by Haryana State Horticulture Department.  The programme, inaugurated by Dr. E. B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CCARI in the presence of Dr Jitendra Singh, Training Organizer, HTI, Uchani, Haryana on 9.3.2020, continued for the next four days and comprised of both theoretical presentations followed by practical demonstrations. Topics covered during the training included ‘National status and economic importance of turmeric crop’  by Dr A R Desai;  ‘Improved production & management practices by Dr. Manoj Mali,  In-charge, Turmeric Research Scheme, ARS, K Digraj, Dist. Sangli (MS); ‘Integrated pest and disease management in turmeric’ by Shri. H.R.C. Prabhu, PC (In charge), KVK, North Goa;  ‘Mechanization in production and processing of Turmeric’ by Dr. M. J. Gupta & Dr A Rdesai; Pro-tray nursery technology for turmeric by Dr. A.R. Desai and  ‘Potential application of Information and Communications Technology (ICTs) in turmeric production’ by Dr. Maneesha S R. Considering his success in commercial turmeric cultivation, Shri Vinod Todkar, a progressive turmeric farmer from Sangli, Maharashtra was  also invited to share his practical experience about commercial turmeric cultivation, organic production and marketing to motivate the trainees. He was also felicitated by the Director for his achievements and sharing his valuable experience for the benefit of the trainees.  Dr. B.A. Vadiraj, Scientist - D & Station Head, Indian Cardamom Research Institute ( Spices Board India), Sakleshpur, Karnataka, enlightened the farmers to avail the benefit of  “Various Schemes of Spices Board India” available for turmeric production, processing and marketing including export. With a view to show the need and scope for linkage with  the turmeric processing industries, Dr. Praksh Krishnan, Biomed Ingredients, Goa delivered a lecture on Industrial level extraction of Curcumin from turmeric, its enrichment for value added products and marketing opportunities of the same.  During the practical classes, the trainees were appraised of different improved varieties of turmeric, land preparation, different planting methods, pro tray nursery raising & it advantages, harvesting and Primary processing of turmeric including cooking, drying, polishing and pulverizing. Trainees were also given hands on experience in the usage of ICTs in turmeric production. All the technical information imparted to the trainees was compiled in the form of a Training Manual and provided to the participants. Dr Jitendra singh, Training organizer, Horticulture Training Institute (HTI), Uchani, Haryana, presented the  Feedback about the training programme in the valedictory function which was followed  the distribution of Certificates to the participants on 13.03.2020. Dr A R Desai, Principal Scientist (Hort.), assisted by the Scientists, Dr Maneesha and Dr M J Gupta; The technical Officers - Shri Sidharth Marathe, Shri, Rahul Kulkarni, Mrs Pranjali Wadekar,  Shri Omar and others,  coordinated the overall training programme.