Madikeri: TK Behra, director of the Indian Agricultural Research Centre, urged orange growers in the district to actively promote the crop and explore international market opportunities for Kodagu oranges. Speaking at the inauguration of the Kodagu Orange Revival and agricultural equipment distribution program in Chettalli, he highlighted the unique qualities of honey and oranges from the region.
Behra expressed concern over the declining production of the GI-tagged Kodagu oranges and assured that the Central Horticultural Experimental Centre at Chettalli is committed to reviving the crop. He noted that the climate in Kodagu is favorable for cultivating foreign fruits and emphasized the need for experimental trials at the center. To facilitate this, he announced that additional staff would be deployed.
Deepaja SM, JD of the National Agricultural Development Project, confirmed that efforts to revive Kodagu oranges have already commenced. She stressed that making farming profitable remains the biggest challenge, calling on cooperative societies to play an active role in branding and market expansion.
Dr. KV Ravishankar, nodal officer for the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, emphasized the importance of prioritizing quality to secure better pricing for oranges. Likhita Raj, assistant deputy director of the horticulture department in Somwarpet taluk, revealed that the department aims to revive orange cultivation across 125 hectares.
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