Training on Spice Crop Cultivation and Processing Held

Udaipur: A one-day farmer training program on "Spice Crop Cultivation and Processing" was organized on March 11, 2025, by the Directorate of Extension Education, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur. The event took place at the Directorate of Extension Education and Agricultural Science Centre in Vallabhnagar.

Dr. R.L. Soni, Director of the Directorate of Extension Education, Udaipur, was the chief guest at the closing ceremony. In his address, he emphasized the importance of spice crop cultivation and processing. He highlighted that spice crops require less irrigation water and fewer nutrients compared to other crops, making them a good alternative for farmers to earn more income by producing spices, fruits, and vegetables and adding value to them.

Dr. Abhay Dashora, Project In-charge for Spice Crops, urged farmers to form Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and set up processing units in their areas after the training. He explained that grading, cleaning, packaging, and processing after harvest would yield higher profits compared to selling the crops directly.

Dr. Mani Ram, Scientist at the Agricultural Science Centre in Vallabhnagar, discussed the importance of spice crops in Rajasthan, as well as the necessary conditions for their growth. He emphasized the need to increase spice crop production to boost farmers' income. Dr. Urmila, Co-Project Officer at the Research Directorate, Udaipur, highlighted the significance of soil health and integrated nutrient management in spice crops. Dr. Karan Singh shared information about the major pests and diseases affecting spice crops and their management, stressing the need to improve the economic status of farmers through spice crop production.

A total of 93 farmers and farmwomen from the Udaipur region participated in the training. The participants were also provided with an agriculture calendar published by the university.