Central Horticultural Experiment Station(CHES), Chettalli in Coorg

Central Horticultural Experiment Station(CHES), Chettalli :

Central Horticultural Experiment Station(CHES), Chettalli : This station situated in Kodagu district of Karnataka was transferred to IIHR from the Govt. of Karnataka with effect from February 1, 1972.   Occupying an area of 92 ha., the mandate crop of the station has been Coorg ma ndarin with major emphasis on citrus die-back.  The station also works on fruit crops like sapota, guava, papaya, pineapple, passion fruit, minor fruits like pummelo, avocado, mangosteen,  and of late has diversified into floricultural crops.  The station has a strong nursery unit for production and supply of disease free citrus planting material, other plant materials and  Trichoderma cultures.  All the research work along with research laboratories of the erstwhile Citrus Experiment Station, Gonikoppal were shifted to CHES, Chettalli with effect from 1.1.1992
      CHES, Chettalli -At a Glance: Central Horticultural Experiment Station, Chettalli (District- Kodagu, Karnataka) is a regional station of Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bangalore under Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi. The Centre was started as Orange Research Centre in 1947 by erstwhile while State Government of Coorg. The Centre was transferred to IIHR in on 1st February 1972. Mandate: To undertake basic and strategic research for enhancing productivity, quality and utility of horticultural crops of the Coorg region. To act as a repository of plant genetic resources and scientific information in relation to horticultural crops. To undertake front line demonstration in new technologies evolved and to impart training for upgrading scientific knowledge of technical personnel involved in horticultural enterprises. Location and Infrastructure: The station is located near Chettalli 20 km from Madikeri on Chettalli –Suntikopa road in the Kodagu District of Karnataka. It is accessible by road from Suntikoppa (10 km) or Madikeri (20 km). The nearest railway station is Mysore (135 km). The centre is situated at 1050 m above mean seas level. The mean temperature of the station range between 320C and 190C.The annual rainfall is 150 cm with major precipitation during July and August. The soil is deep, dark brown, well drained sandy loam to sandy clay loam. The station has 94 ha of farm area to conduct various field experiments which divided into 5 blocks for efficient management. Five research laboratories, a library and an administrative wing are located in the main building within the experimental farm. A scientists’ rest house, departmental canteen and residential quarters are also available on the campus. The sanctioned strength of the staff at the centre includes 6 scientific, 19 technical and 5 administrative and 35 supporting staff.