On 7 November 2025, Mr. Muhamed Salim bin Mohd Ali, Chief Executive Officer of the International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet), visited the Central Horticultural Experiment Station (CHES), Hirehalli, under the guidance of Dr. Ganesan Karunakaran of ICAR–IIHR.
The visit included discussions and field observations on dragon fruit, jackfruit, and other tropical fruit research plots. CHES Hirehalli serves as a key centre for developing improved varieties and production technologies for tropical and subtropical fruits. The team observed the dragon fruit test plots, part of India’s Centre of Excellence on Kamalam (Dragon Fruit), and reviewed research efforts on varietal performance, agronomic practices, and value addition.
The visit provided valuable insights into India’s tropical fruit research initiatives and opened opportunities for collaboration between TFNet and ICAR–IIHR in advancing sustainable tropical fruit development and innovation.
