Global demand & market potential
Nutritional and health benefits of blueberries
Overview of commercial varieties
Climate & Soil Requirements
Ideal climate: cool winters, mild summers
Soil type: acidic, sandy loam preferred
Drainage & water management needs
Site selection and preparation
Variety Selection
Popular cultivars for different regions
Early, mid, and late-season varieties
Disease-resistant and high-yielding strains
Propagation & Planting
Seed vs. cutting vs. tissue culture
Plant spacing and layout (hedgerows, beds, or pots)
Best planting seasons
Mulching techniques
Crop Management Practices
Irrigation systems (drip preferred for water efficiency)
Fertilizer management (NPK + micronutrients, organic amendments)
Pruning methods for growth & yield optimization
Weed control strategies
Pest & Disease Management
Common pests: blueberry maggot, aphids, mites
Diseases: root rot, leaf spots, fruit molds
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches
Organic control options
Harvesting & Post-Harvest Handling
Maturity indicators (color, firmness, sweetness levels)
Manual vs. mechanical harvesting
Sorting, grading, and packaging standards
Cold storage and shelf life management
Value Addition & Processing
Fresh market sales
Processing into juices, jams, dried blueberries, powders
Nutraceutical and cosmetic uses
Business & Marketing
Cost of establishment vs. ROI
Local and export market opportunities
Branding, packaging, and value chain models
Direct-to-consumer
Hands-On Practical Training
Soil testing and preparation exercises
Planting and pruning demonstration
Fertigation and irrigation setup
Harvesting and grading practice
Entrepreneurship & Sustainability
Case studies of successful blueberry farms
Financial planning & government support schemes
Sustainable practices (organic, water-efficient systems, renewable energy