ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Phek, under ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, and ICAR–ATARI, Zone VII, Umiam, conducted a five-day Skill Enhancement Training Programme on “Scientific Kiwifruit Cultivation and Value Addition for Enhanced Farmers’ Income and Livelihoods” from October 26 to 30 at KVK Phek, Porba and Sakraba village in Phek district.
A total of 15 farmers from Sakraba village participated in the programme, which aimed to enhance their technical knowledge and practical skills in scientific kiwifruit cultivation, orchard management and value addition to improve farm income and livelihood opportunities.
The programme was organised under the leadership of Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Phek.
Manjunath KS, Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture), delivered a technical lecture on scientific kiwifruit cultivation, covering the selection of suitable cultivars, quality planting materials, propagation methods, orchard establishment, training systems, pruning practices and canopy management. He emphasised the importance of selecting appropriate varieties and adopting proper training and pruning techniques to maintain healthy and productive orchards.
Dzuzutolu Puro, Horticulture Inspector, Pfutsero, also delivered a technical session highlighting essential orchard management practices and field-level recommendations.
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The programme included practical demonstrations at farmers’ fields and the KVK farm, covering scientific pruning and training techniques, different grafting methods, identification of male and female kiwifruit plants, and assessment of fruit maturity under field conditions. The hands-on sessions provided participants with practical knowledge of essential orchard management operations.
As part of the field-based learning activities, the KVK team visited eight farmers’ kiwifruit orchards and offered field-specific technical suggestions to improve orchard productivity, canopy management and overall crop performance.
A special session on kiwifruit value addition was conducted by Vesapolu Hesuh, Quality Control Manager, Chakhesang Women Welfare Society. She demonstrated the preparation of various value-added products, including kiwifruit candy, jam, wine and juice.
The demonstration highlighted the potential 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.
An interactive farmer–scientist session was also held, during which participants shared their field experiences and discussed challenges related to kiwifruit cultivation. The experts responded to their queries and provided technical guidance and practical solutions.
At the concluding session, participation certificates were distributed to the trainees, while secateurs were provided to encourage the adoption of scientific pruning practices in their respective orchards.
