ICAR–National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management (ICAR-NIASM), Baramati, successfully conducted On-Farm Demonstrations (OFDs) on the institute-developed Supplementary Pollination Technology in Dragon Fruit during 15–19 July 2026 in selected farmers' orchards across Baramati and Indapur talukas of Maharashtra.

The demonstrations were organized with the objective of showcasing the effectiveness of the technology under farmers' field conditions and promoting its large-scale adoption. Since its development in 2021, the supplementary pollination technology developed and standardized by ICAR-NIASM has consistently demonstrated significant improvements in fruit set, fruit weight, fruit quality, and overall productivity of dragon fruit under both experimental and field conditions. Through these OFDs, farmers were provided hands-on exposure to the technology and trained in its practical implementation on a larger scale during the peak flowering period. The demonstrations also aimed to assess the performance and impact of the technology under farmers' field conditions and generate feedback for its wider dissemination and adoption.

The OFD programme commenced on 15 July 2026 with demonstrations in the orchards of Mr. Vittal Kate and Mr. Kiran Navale at Malegaon (Baramati taluka), where ICAR-NIASM scientists demonstrated the supplementary pollination technique and interacted with dragon fruit growers on its scientific principles and field application. On 16 July 2026, the demonstrations continued in Dhakale (Baramati taluka) with field demonstrations in the orchards of Mr. Pradeep Jagtap, Mr. Sanjay Jagtap and Mr. Uttam Jagtap where participating farmers observed the practical implementation of the technology during the peak flowering stage. On 17 July 2026, two demonstrations were conducted in the orchards of Mr. Rajendra Shendge and Mr. Sachin Kale at Bavada (Indapur taluka), providing hands-on training to farmers on pollination management and crop improvement. On 18 July 2026, two demonstrations were conducted in Nimgaon Ketki (Indapur taluka) in the orchards of Mr. Ganesh Thaware and Mr. Tanaji Devkar, highlighting the benefits of supplementary pollination under farmers' field conditions. The programme concluded on 19 July 2026 with demonstrations in the orchards of Mr. Swapnil Abhang and Mr. Neelesh Hegde at Ramkund (Indapur taluka). Across all locations, scientists and skilled/young professional staff demonstrated the operational procedures of supplementary pollination, interacted with the participating farmers, and emphasized its role in improving fruit set, fruit weight, fruit quality, and overall productivity.

A total of 10 On-Farm Demonstrations (OFDs) were successfully conducted in the orchards of ten progressive dragon fruit growers across Baramati and Indapur talukas. The participating farmers appreciated the simplicity and effectiveness of the supplementary pollination technology and expressed keen interest in adopting it to enhance fruit yield, quality, and profitability.

Coordinators: Boraiah KM, Basavaraj PS, Harisha CB, VD Kakade, Ravikumar K, Prakash Kate and Santosh Gade