ICAR-NRC Grapes, Pune Partners with Maharashtra State Grape Growers’ Association to Empower Future Farmers through Tech-Driven Capacity Building

8-11 June 2026, Pune

ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune in partnership with the Maharashtra State Grape Growers’ Association (MRDBS) and the Pune Chapter of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), successfully organized a capacity building program focused on enhanced grape production through advanced viticulture techniques from June 8-11, 2026, at the ICAR-NRCG facility in Pune. This initiative is part of the institute's ongoing “Khet Bachao Abhiyan”, aimed to enhance grape production through advanced viticulture techniques, with minimal chemical inputs.

The program was inaugurated by Dr Kaushik Banerjee, Director, ICAR-NRCG and Mr Kailasrao Bhosale, President of MRDBS.

Mr Bhosale described the initiative as a “trainer’s training” program, encouraging participants to empower at least 100 additional grape growers before the 2026-2027 fruiting season.

Dr Banerjee reiterated NAAS’ mission to disseminate practical knowledge, highlighting the importance of education in farming.

The other dignitaries included Mr. Maruti Chavan, Vice President, Mr. Shivajirao Pawar, Treasurer, and Mr. Abhishek Kanchan, Chairman-Central Research Committee, MRDBS. All emphasized the critical need for collaboration between farmers and scientists to enhance the competitiveness of the grape industry in global markets.

This training programme enlightened the new generation farmers to learn about the latest developments in grape farming, spanning from land preparation to the use of AI tools in effective management of vineyard operations. Emphasis was placed on biointensive pest and disease management, rational fertilizer use, and sustainable practices.

The MRDBS officials further informed that their joint venture with ICAR-NRCG has so far trained more than 900 young farmers over the past three years.

The program concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony and discussions for future training sessions focused on women farmers.

The four-day program brought together 40 young grape growers from major grape-growing districts of Maharashtra, including Nashik, Sangli, Pune, and Solapur.

(Source: ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune)