ICAR-IIHR, Central Horticultural Experiment Station (CHES), Bhubaneswar, organized an Input Distribution and Skill Development Program under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) at Tarajodi village in Mayurbhanj district. The programme was conducted in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Mayurbhanj-1. Around 100 tribal farmers took part in the programme. The main aim was to support tribal farmers by providing quality horticultural inputs and improving skills for better income.

The programme was attended by several dignitaries, including Dr. Tusar Kanti Behera (Director, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru), Dr. Gobinda Chandra Acharya (Head, CHES, Bhubaneswar) Dr. Sanghamitra Pattanaik (Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Mayurbhanj-1), Mr. Tankadhar Kalo (Deputy Director of Horticulture, Mayurbhanj), Dr. Jhunilata Bhuyan, (SMS, KVK Mayurbhanj-1), and Dr. Shantanu Rakshit (Scientist, CHES, Bhubaneswar). Addressing the gathering, Dr. Tusar Kanti Behera highlighted the need for convergence among ICAR-IIHR- CHES, KVK and the District Horticulture Department to empower tribal farmers. He stressed that timely supply of quality seeds and planting material can improve productivity and livelihoods of the community. Dr. G C Acharya explained the ongoing efforts of ICAR-IIHR-CHES under the TSP to strengthen horticulture activities in tribal areas. Dr. Sanghamitra Pattanaik spoke about the initiatives of KVK Mayurbhanj-1 for farmer empowerment through training and technical support. Mr. Tankadhar Kalo informed farmers about state government schemes that promote horticulture-based farming. Dr. Jhunilata Bhuyan guided farmers on value addition of fruits and vegetables and also discussed mushroom production as an income-generating activity. The scientific team also visited famers field and shared required guidance.

During the programme, important horticultural inputs were distributed to farmers, including ARKA Seed Kit, ARKA Mango Special, ARKA Vegetable Special, and Arka Neelachal Kesari mango plant saplings. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Shantanu Rakshit, Sri M. K. Pattanaik, and Mr. A. Anil Kumar. The event concluded with a message encouraging farmers to adopt improved horticulture practices and use the distributed inputs effectively for better results.