On February 28, 2025, a successful one-day training programme focusing on nursery and orchard management of horticultural crops, coupled with an awareness session on Plant Genetic Resources, was held at Sabalapani village, Shahada block, Nandurbar district, Maharashtra. Organized by ICAR-NBPGR New Delhi under the Nature Plus Project, in collaboration with BAIF Development Research Foundation, the initiative aimed to equip local farmers with vital knowledge and practical skills. The programme directly benefited 100 farmers from various villages within the Sabalapani village panchayat. A significant element of the day was the distribution of grafted saplings of mango, jackfruit, karonda, and custard apple to each participant, encouraging the adoption of superior planting materials.Mr. Lilesh Chavan of BAIF initiated and oversaw the program, providing a comprehensive overview of the day’s agenda and highlighting the various beneficial schemes offered by BAIF to rural farmers. Dr. Pankaj Kumar Kannaujia, Scientist from ICAR-NBPGR, delivered an insightful session on the organization’s critical role in plant germplasm collection, conservation, and evaluation. He also emphasized the importance of fruits and vegetables in human nutrition and provided valuable information on nursery management for vegetable crops. The training featured expert sessions led by Dr. D.V Ahire, Associate Professor, College of Agriculture, Nandurbar, Maharashtra. Dr. Ahire delivered a lecture on diverse techniques for plant propagation and orchard management. Crucially, he also conducted hands-on training, enabling farmers to directly apply the learned techniques. Concluding the program, Mr. Soyimchiten, Scientist, delivered a closing address, summarizing the key takeaways and expressing sincere gratitude to the farmers, local organizers, and all contributors for their invaluable support in ensuring the programme’s success. The event successfully fostered knowledge sharing and practical skill development, contributing significantly to the advancement of horticultural practices and the conservation of plant genetic resources within the region.
