On 25 August 2025, a one-day training programme was organized at Divyayan Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Morabadi, Ranchi, in collaboration with the ICAR–Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur (Maharashtra). On this occasion, 6250 saplings of Kagzi lemon, 150 saplings of Mosambi, 100 saplings of Orange, and 250 battery-operated sprayers were distributed among 200 Scheduled Tribe and 50 Scheduled Caste farmers. A demonstration on citrus fruits (lemon, orange, mosambi) was also conducted at the KVK farm in Getalsud. In all, 298 farmers participated in the programme.
The programme was inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. The chief guests included Dr. Dilip Ghosh, Director, Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur; Dr. Devdas T. Meshram, Principal Scientist, CCRI, Nagpur; Dr. Naresh Meshram, Senior Scientist, CCRI, Nagpur; Dr. S. K. Pal, Associate Dean, RKMVERI; and Dr. Ajit Kumar Singh, Senior Scientist.
The guests were welcomed by Swami Bhaveshananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, with traditional shawls and products prepared by the Institute.
In his address, the chief guest, Dr. Dilip Ghosh, urged the farmers to adopt integrated farming systems and crop diversification to realize the goal of making India prosperous by 2047. He highlighted the vast potential of citrus cultivation in Jharkhand and encouraged farmers to utilize the benefits of the 70 different schemes currently run by the Government of India for agriculture. He also noted India’s commendable production in the last year — 360 million tonnes of horticultural produce, 350 million tonnes of food grains and pulses — and its achievement of securing the 8th position in global agricultural exports, amounting to nearly 55 million USD.
Swami Bhaveshananda, in his address, emphasized the importance of natural farming for fruits, flowers, and vegetables. He expressed happiness over the distribution of citrus saplings and sprayers and noted that Angara block is making progress towards natural farming.
Dr. Devdas T. Meshram provided training on production technologies of citrus fruits and answered farmers’ queries in simple language. Dr. Naresh Meshram explained in detail about pest and disease management in citrus crops.
The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Ajit Kumar Singh, while Dr. Rajesh Kumar conducted the proceedings. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Rabindra Kumar Singh.
The programme was also attended by Dr. Manoj Kumar Singh, Dr. Bharat Mahato, Dr. Neha Rajan, Dr. Vishakha Singh, Mr. Prafull (CO), Mr. O. P. Sharma, field assistants, and several others.
