The use of ethylene gas for fruit ripening is becoming increasingly popular. Understanding the challenges small and marginal farmers face in setting up fruit ripening units due to high costs, the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore, has developed a low-cost, simple fruit ripening technology.
Under the National Agriculture Development Scheme, the Horticulture Department is offering a subsidy for the installation of 1-ton capacity (4cmt) fruit ripening units, ideal for farmers with land areas ranging from 0.2 to 2.00 hectares. The cost of each unit is Rs. 6500, and farmers will receive a subsidy of Rs. 3250, covering 50% of the unit cost. Each beneficiary is eligible for two units.
The Deputy Director of Horticulture encourages all eligible farmers to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their farming practices.
Farmers interested in availing of this subsidy can contact the respective taluk horticulture offices or hobli-level horticulture officers for further details. Contact numbers are as follows:
Chikkaballapur: 9916375216, Chintamani: 9353455389, Gauribidanur: 7204462308, Shidlaghatta: 9448825101, Bagepalli: 9449352139, Gudibande: 8147464177.