ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute

The programme was attended by Dr. M. L. Jeeva and Dr. S. Sunitha, Principal Scientists, and Ms. L. Sreelakshmi, Technician from ICAR-CTCRI. Mr. Sunil, Agriculture Officer of Pothencode Krishi Bhavan, Ms. Bhindu, President of Grama Panchayat, Pothencode, Vice President Mr. Shibu, Mr. Dileep, Ward Member of Panimoola, Mr. Binumon, Ward Member of Pulaveer, and Mr. Purushothaman, Standing Committee President, also participated in the programme. The main aim of the programme was to educate farmers about the importance of soil health and the balanced use of fertilizers for sustainable farming. The programme started with registration of participants, followed by a welcome speech by Mr. Sunil, Agriculture Officer, Pothencode Krishi Bhavan. He highlighted the need for proper soil management and balanced nutrient application to improve crop production and farmers’ income. Ms. Bhindu, President of Grama Panchayat, Pothencode, delivered her remarks and thanked the institute for organizing such a useful programme for farmers. Vice President Mr. Shibu also spoke on the occasion and assured support for farmers to achieve sustainable and profitable farming. Dr. M. L. Jeeva, Principal Scientist (Plant Pathology), introduced the programme and explained its objectives and importance. Later, Dr. Sunitha S., Principal Scientist (Crop Production), gave a detailed class on soil health management and fertilizer application. She explained the cultivation practices of tropical tuber crops and different methods of nutrient application.

Dr. M. L. Jeeva also delivered a talk on the role of balanced soil nutrients in reducing plant diseases, especially cassava stem and root rot. He advised farmers to conduct soil testing at least once in five years and cautioned against the excessive use of fertilizers. An interactive session was held afterwards, during which farmers actively discussed nutrient-related issues in their fields and clarified doubts regarding fertilizer application and management practices. The scientists and technician demonstrated the use of bioagents such as PGPR (Sree Jala) and Trichoderma (Sree Pragathi). Vine cuttings of sweet potato varieties Bhu Sona and Bhu Krishna developed by ICAR-CTCRI were distributed to farmers along with the bioagents. The entire programme was documented through audio and video recording. The programme ended with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Sreelakshmi L., Technician, ICAR-CTCRI. Farmers from four villages, namely Ayiroorpara, Nandoorkonam, Melthonakkal and Keezhthonakkal, actively participated in the programme. Altogether 32 farmers, including 13 women and 19 men, attended and benefited from the programme. A Malayalam leaflet on agrotechniques of tuber crops was also distributed among the participants.