ICAR-CCRI Launches Master Trainers Program for Citrus Farming
A three-day training program on sustainable citrus production technologies was held in Nagpur for master trainers in Madhya Pradesh.
The training program took place from August 5 to 7, 2026.
30 master trainers were trained to support sustainable agriculture in the Satpuda-Pench Corridor.
The initiative aims to enhance livelihoods of local farming communities through regenerative practices.
The ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute (ICAR-CCRI) in Nagpur has successfully concluded a three-day training program aimed at enhancing sustainable citrus production in the Satpuda-Pench Corridor of Madhya Pradesh. The event, titled "Training Programme for Master Trainers on Sustainable Citrus Production Technologies for Satpuda Pench Corridor of Madhya Pradesh (Phase -1)", took place from August 5 to 7, 2026, at the ICAR-CCRI campus.
This initiative is a collaborative effort with WWF-India and follows a memorandum of understanding signed on February 16, 2026. The program's objective is to promote sustainable citriculture while engaging with forest fringe communities that rely on agriculture for their livelihoods. During the inauguration, Dr. Dilip Ghosh, Director of ICAR-CCRI, emphasized the significance of regenerative agriculture in enhancing the citrus-based farming systems in the forested areas of Madhya Pradesh.
The training was meticulously designed by project investigators from ICAR-CCRI, who provided participants with a comprehensive training manual on sustainable citrus production technologies. Over the three days, the master trainers received in-depth technical knowledge and nature-based solutions tailored for citrus cultivation in ecologically sensitive regions. The program included practical demonstrations on various techniques such as orchard layout preparation, planting methods, and irrigation management.
The Satpuda-Pench corridor is recognized for its rich biodiversity and serves as a crucial habitat for wildlife. The local farming communities, particularly in the Chhindwara and Pandhurna districts, depend heavily on citrus farming for their economic stability. The training program aimed to bridge the gap between agricultural practices and environmental conservation, equipping participants with sustainable orchard management practices and government schemes supporting regenerative agriculture.
With the successful completion of Phase-1, the 30 master trainers, who are field staff from NGOs like WWF-India and Srijan, will now implement their training at the grassroots level. This initiative is expected to significantly impact local agricultural practices and enhance the livelihoods of communities in the region.
