MANAGE Centre for Innovation and Agripreneurship (MANAGE-CIA)

Commercialization of Horticulture Technologies for Entrepreneurship Development” Training Program

The farmer has to be an optimist or he wouldn’t still be a farmer.

- Will Rogers

About the Program
In June 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) and the Directorate of Horticulture, Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment, Government of Odisha.
The objective of this MoU is to undertake training, capacity building, and exposure visits for 1,500 officers, horticulture extension personnel, and farmers from the state of Odisha. These activities are to be conducted by MANAGE in 50 batches, focusing on various topics related to horticultural capacity development.
As part of this initiative, MANAGE-Centre for Innovation and Agripreneurship (MANAGE-CIA) organized a training program titled “Commercialization of Horticulture Technologies for Entrepreneurship Development”, also known as the Odisha Training-cum-Exposure Visit Program.

This program was designed to enhance the capabilities of farmers and extension officers by providing exposure to advanced horticultural practices and successful agri-based entrepreneurial models.

Participants of the Program
Under this program, one progressive farmer and one extension officer (HO/HEW) from each district of Odisha were nominated to participate. A total of 49 participants—comprising 26 extension officers and 23 farmers—took part in the training program.

Structure of the Program
This 8-day training program, held from 3rd to 10th February 2025, featured a total of eight expert sessions on topics such as tissue culture methods, commercial landscaping, vegetable cultivation, and other key areas of horticultural development. As part of the program, six exposure visits were also organized to reputed state, national, and central institutes in Telangana that are known for their significant work in the field of horticulture, providing participants with valuable practical insights and learning opportunities.

Benefits of the program for the participants
Top 4 innovator participants will receive technical and financial assistance, with up to ₹4 lakh as a one-time fund. Winning agri-business ideas get exclusive incubation preference at MANAGE-CIA, including expert mentorship and business development support. Participants also gain enhanced networking opportunities and may be eligible for funding based on evaluation by the MANAGE-CIA selection committee.

Benefits of the program for the participants

Enhanced Technical Knowledge: Participants gained in-depth understanding of advanced horticultural techniques such as tissue culture, commercial landscaping, and vegetable cultivation through expert-led sessions.
Practical Exposure: Exposure visits to leading horticultural institutions in Telangana provided hands-on learning experiences, enabling participants to witness successful models and best practices in the field.
Entrepreneurial Orientation: The program emphasized the commercialization of horticulture technologies, equipping participants with insights and strategies to develop agri-based entrepreneurial ventures.
Capacity Building for Extension Services: Extension officers strengthened their skills and knowledge, enabling them to more effectively support and guide farmers in their respective districts toward improved horticultural productivity and innovation.