Specialty crop development
Introduced high-value specialty crops like mushrooms, providing farmers with profitable alternative cultivation options — 1,267 entrepreneurs trained in 2013–14 alone.
Horticulture & diversified farming
Developing fruit cultivation, vegetable production and crop diversification for enhanced profitability — since 2003.
1,267
Mushroom entrepreneurs, 2013–14
750
Organic input trainees, 2014–15
300
Nursery technology trainees, 2013–14
220
Coconut climbing trainees, 2013–14
Understanding
What horticulture & diversified farming means
What is horticulture?
Horticulture is the branch of agriculture focusing on intensive cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, and specialty crops with higher returns per unit area.
Our approach focuses on introducing high-value crops, providing technical training in specialized cultivation techniques, and establishing market linkages for horticultural products through sustainable production practices that maximize yield while conserving natural resources. We have worked this way since 2003, when mushroom cultivation training first reached women’s groups in Dindigul, Trichy and Karur.
Our programs include modern cultivation techniques, post-harvest management, value addition, and developing entrepreneurial skills for horticultural enterprises that optimize land use and increase farm profitability. In 2013–14 alone we trained 1,267 mushroom entrepreneurs across five districts, 300 rural youth in nursery technology and 220 in coconut palm climbing.
- Fruit cultivation
- Vegetable production
- Floriculture
- Mushroom cultivation
Why this work matters
The challenge on the ground — and our answer
The challenge
Low returns from traditional field crops
Families dependent on traditional low-value crops earn little from their land, with no clear path to a better income from the same acreage.
Our response
Introduce high-value horticultural crops
Fruits, vegetables, flowers and specialty crops earn more per unit area than traditional field crops, and mushrooms need very little land or capital at all.
The challenge
One crop, one harvest, one income
Single-crop systems concentrate a family's entire income into one harvest season — one failure can mean a lost year.
Our response
Diversify the cropping system
Crop rotation, mixed cropping and seasonal planning reduce risk and provide year-round income through different harvest seasons and shorter crop cycles.
The challenge
Rural women and youth without income skills
Without specialized skills, rural women and young people have few ways to earn a reliable daily income close to home.
Our response
Skill-based horticulture training
1,267 mushroom entrepreneurs trained in 2013–14 and 220 youth in coconut climbing — 72 of those youth now earn up to ₹750/day, and 41 women who took up mushroom cultivation after a 2023–24 training earn ₹300/day.
The challenge
Poor household nutrition
Farming families and school children often lack fresh fruits and vegetables in their daily diet.
Our response
Grow nutrition at home and school
Fresh fruits and vegetables improve household nutrition and food security — nutrient gardens established in 15 schools in Athoor and Nilakottai blocks, Dindigul district.
At a glance
The essentials
- Active since
- 2003Two decades of horticulture training and support
- Coverage
- Karur, Dindigul, Trichy & VirudhunagarPlus five further districts named only as a count in the 2013–14 mushroom programme
- Key partners
- KVK Dindigul, TNAU & Coconut Development BoardTraining technologies and coconut-climbing devices
- Project portfolio
- 6 programmesTrainings and school gardens, 2003–2024
- Currently delivering
- Mushroom cultivation & entrepreneurshipRecurring since 2003; 41 women earning ₹300/day (2023–24)
- Delivery model
- Training-led with market linkageCrop selection, technical training, production support, market linkage
Track record
Project portfolio, 2003–2024
| Programme | Period | Type | Highlights | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mushroom cultivation training & entrepreneurship | 2003–2024 | Training programme | 1,267 entrepreneurs trained in 2013–14; 41 women earning ₹300/day (2023–24) | Ongoing |
| Coconut climbing training | 2013–2014 | Training programme | 220 rural youth trained; 72 earning up to ₹750/day | Completed |
| Nursery technology training | 2013–2014 | Training programme | 300 youth trained through 15 programmes in Karur, Dindigul and Virudhunagar | Completed |
| Organic vegetable & fruit cultivation (KVK) | 2014–2015 | Training programme | 750 farmers trained in organic input-based technologies | Completed |
| Nutrient gardens in schools | 2015–2016 | Key activity | Gardens in 15 schools, Athoor and Nilakottai blocks, Dindigul district | Completed |
| Medicinal plants cultivation training | 2020–2021 | Training programme | 200 women trained at Velliyani, Karur, at the medicinal plant nursery | Completed |
Impact
What horticulture & diversified farming changes
Skill-based training
Provided specialized technical training in coconut climbing and cultivation techniques for improved farm management.
Crop diversification
Enabled farmers to diversify their cropping systems and reduce dependence on traditional low-value crops.
Income enhancement
Increased farmer incomes through high-value horticultural crops with better market prices and shorter crop cycles.
Get involved
Support horticultural development
Join us in promoting high-value horticulture and diversified farming systems that enhance farm productivity, increase farmer incomes, and contribute to nutritional security. Your support helps farmers adopt modern horticultural practices and access profitable markets.