In Vellore district, mango cultivation is carried out over an area of about 5,924 hectares. During periods of high yield, farmers are affected by fluctuations in the prices of produce. In this situation, at the request of mango farmers, training was provided to farmers on new varieties and technologies at the Agricultural Science Centre functioning under the administration of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Virinjipuram. Various technologies, such as the production of mango powder from mangoes, were explained in a practical manner. In addition, value-added products for the mango market and the selection of mangoes suitable for value addition were also explained in detail.

Collector Leela Alex, who inaugurated and addressed this training, said, “We have discussed mango production in Vellore district and the related issues at farmers’ grievance redressal meetings. 50,000 metric tons of mangoes are produced. However, a training has been organized for you to learn how to properly and profitably process them, and to understand the procedures involved. As a producer, what should you do? How should you take it to export quality and make it profitable? Training is being provided on these aspects. In previous farmers’ meetings, we have discussed value-added products such as mango pulp, mango powder, pickle, and jam.”
How do we transform our farmers, who are producers, into traders and exporters? While we were exploring this, our chemical scientists gave us many ideas. The district administration’s wish is to take these ideas to our farming community and help transform them from producers into traders and exporters. Please give your full cooperation for that. Learn the technologies. Go to your farmland and implement them. When we went to see our farmers in the field, it was very encouraging. You too should encourage them a lot. When one farmer tells another farmer, it will reach them even more easily.

Therefore, when you share your experiences with other farmers, it will be easier for them to accept them. So, at subsequent meetings, we should arrange to invite farmers who are inspiring in this way and listen to their speeches as well,” he said. Earlier, Collector Leela Alex inspected the high-yield varieties cultivated at the Agricultural Science Centre, including Vamban 11 black gram and CO 51 paddy, and inquired about their production processes, instructing the Agriculture Department to produce seeds as well. She then inaugurated the demonstration field for the `wild boar repellent’ method, which protects crops from damage caused by wild boars. During the event, several officials, including Joint Director of Agriculture Sri Vidya, were present.
