The ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), West Garo Hills, successfully organized a six-day skill development training programme on “Climate-Smart Cashew Farming – A Sustainable Future with Shelter for Life” from 9th to 14th September 2024. This initiative, sponsored by the All India Coordinated Research Project on Cashew, was aimed at enhancing scientific skills in cashew production of the farmers around 50 farmers from 12 villages participated in the programme. The training was part of the 100 Days Action Plan, emphasizing the significance of cashew cultivation as the One District One Product (ODOP) crop of West Garo Hills.
        The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Tarun Kumar Das, Chief Technical Officer (Agricultural Extension), who welcomed the participants and provided an overview of the training layout for 6 days. Dr. Hammylliende Talang, Scientist (Horticulture) at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, discussed the current status of the cashew industry and the scope for expanding cashew farming in West Garo Hills. Dr. Monica Suresh Singh, Senior Scientist and Head of ICAR-KVK, West Garo Hills, highlighted the importance of adopting climate-smart technologies in cashew farming to address the challenges posed by climate change and to ensure a sustainable future for cashew farming in the region.
        The training featured a series of expert-led lectures covering a broad range of topics, including good agricultural practices in cashew cultivation, entrepreneurship in horticultural crops, advancements in cashew genotypes, intercropping and cashew-based farming systems, organic certification through the Participatory Guarantee System of India, and integrated disease management. Special attention was given to climate smart cashew technology, role of organic certification and the various central and state government schemes available to support cashew farming.
        In addition to the theoretical aspects, hands-on practical sessions were conducted on propagation techniques, soil testing procedures, Bordeaux paste preparation, and value addition in cashew. Farmers were also taken on an exposure visit to the Cashew Mother Block at the KVK farm. On the concluding day, participation certificates were distributed to the farmers, along with essential farming inputs such as spades, dao, and watering caps, to motivate them further. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Tarun Kumar Das, Dr. Hammylliende Talang, and Dr.Monica Suresh Singh, ensuring a comprehensive and impactful learning experience for the participants.