Suttur, August 7, 2026: National Horticulture Day and the Butterfruit Field Festival were organised on Friday, August 7, 2026, as part of the birth anniversary celebrations of the Father of Horticulture, Dr. M. H. Marigowda.
The programme was jointly organised by ICAR-JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Suttur; ICAR-IIHR Central Horticultural Experimental Station, Chettahalli; Department of Horticulture, Mysuru; and the Institute of Agricultural Technologists (IAT), Mysuru.
Inaugurating the programme, retired Joint Director of Agriculture Dr. Vishakanta said that butterfruit has gained good market demand in recent years and has emerged as a horticultural crop with the potential to generate higher income for farmers. However, priority must be given to understanding market requirements, selecting suitable varieties, adopting scientific cultivation practices, and using quality seedlings. He said that good productivity and a stable income can be achieved only when the crop is cultivated under proper scientific guidance.
Chandru, Assistant Director of Horticulture, Nanjangud, provided information on various schemes and subsidies offered by the Horticulture Department, including support for nursery development, establishment of plantations, irrigation facilities, and other interventions. He urged farmers to make effective use of the schemes available through the department.
Shivashankarappa, Director of Horticulture, JSS Mahavidyapeetha, spoke about the life and achievements of Dr. M. H. Marigowda and recalled his immense contribution to the growth of the horticulture sector in Karnataka. Sharing his experiences of working with Dr. Marigowda, he said that several commercial horticultural crops gained popularity in the State as a result of his vision and efforts.
Presiding over the programme, Dr. Gyanesh B. N., Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, said that one of the key objectives of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra is to provide farmers with scientific information on new horticultural crops as part of National Horticulture Day. Butterfruit has the potential to emerge as a promising commercial crop in the future, he said.
He advised farmers to use quality planting material and adopt integrated crop management practices to achieve higher returns. He also urged them to make effective use of the technical guidance and training programmes conducted by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra.
During the technical session, Dr. Muralidhar B.M., Scientist, ICAR-IIHR, Chettahalli, provided detailed information on the history of butterfruit, the contribution of the Father of Horticulture, Dr. M. H. Marigowda, and the background behind the popularisation of the crop in Karnataka.
He also explained various aspects of butterfruit cultivation, including varieties, value addition, nutritional importance, integrated nutrient management, irrigation systems, integrated pest and disease management, post-harvest management, and opportunities in domestic and export markets. He emphasised the importance of adopting scientific methods in butterfruit cultivation for better productivity and returns.
In the same technical session, Dr. Nayan Deepak provided practical information on butterfruit plant production, grafting techniques, quality nursery management, production of certified seedlings, and opportunities for farmers and young entrepreneurs to earn additional income through the nursery industry.
Dr. Ravindra, retired Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vishwanath, Dr. Vinay G. M., Dr. Prasad, Dr. Deepak, Dr. Rakshit, Mrs. Divya, Mr. Shamraj, staff members of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, officials of the Horticulture Department, and members of the Institute of Agricultural Technologists participated in the programme.
More than 120 farmers from various districts, including Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, and Hassan, participated in the programme and benefited from the technical sessions and field-level information shared by the experts.
