Event Overview
A training programme on organic farming technologies and value addition in horticultural crops was organised on 22nd June 2026 at the Horticultural Research Station, Yercaud, for tribal farmers under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP). The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) located at Sandhiyur, Salem district joined hands in conducting the programme with financial support from AICRP on Spices, Kozhikode, Kerala.
During the programme, technical guidance was provided on organic cultivation of horticultural crops and value addition techniques in coffee, black pepper, fruits, and herbal plants largely grown in the Shervaroy hilly region.
Technical Sessions
Dr. G. Malathi, Associate Professor and Head, HRS Yercaud, along with all scientists from HRS and Dr. Vijayan T, Programme Coordinator of KVK Sandhiyur, jointly conducted sessions covering:
- Organic cultivation of coffee, black pepper, fruits and herbal plants in the Shervaroy hills
- Value addition techniques in pepper and coffee
- Use of bio-inputs for soil health management
- Marketing strategies and income enhancement through value addition
Practical demonstrations on value addition technologies in pepper and coffee were conducted. To enhance farmers' income through value addition and effective marketing, coffee grinding machines and packaging machines were distributed to farmer groups under the tribal development programme of KVK Sandhiyur.
Input Distribution
Bio-inputs for Organic Farming
Bio-inputs including Azospirillum, Trichoderma, Bacillus and IISR Pepper Micronutrient Mixtures were distributed to encourage and promote organic farming practices and reduce dependence on chemical inputs.
Planting Materials & Machinery
Quality planting materials of pepper, coffee, and silver oak were distributed free of cost. Coffee grinding machines and packaging machines were provided to farmer groups to enable direct value addition at the farm level.
Participation & Dignitaries
A total of 90 tribal farmers from Yercaud, Maramangalam, Pelakkadu, Senthittu, Pattipadi, Velur, and Salapparai participated. The programme was graced by Mrs. Sherine, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Yercaud Block, and Mr. Govindaraj, Assistant Director of Horticulture.
Programme Impact
The programme served as an effective platform for disseminating organic farming technologies and value addition skills to tribal farming communities of the Shervaroy hill region. The distribution of coffee grinding and packaging machines is expected to improve market price realisation and enhance farm income.
