ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute

The programme was attended by Principal Scientists Dr. P. Murugesan, Dr. V. Ramesh, and Dr. Saravanan Raju; Technicians Mr. G. Suresh and Mr. K. Chandran from ICAR–CTCRI; along with Dr. Niya Celine, Assistant Director of Agriculture, and Shri Jerin V. A., Agriculture Officer. The scientists’ team from ICAR–Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research RC Palode, including Drs. V. Arunachalam, M. Neema, and M. R. Rohini, also participated in the programme. The primary objective of the programme was to create awareness among farmers on maintaining soil health through the balanced use of fertilizers, use of biocontrol agents, and vermicompost for sustainable agriculture. The programme commenced with the registration of participants, followed by the welcome address, introduction, and importance of the campaign by Dr. P. Murugesan. This was followed by lectures and practical demonstrations by the experts from ICAR–CTCRI, IIOPR RC Palode, and input supplier representatives Miss Arya and Mr. Suresh, Managers, Boabs Biotech. An interactive scientist–farmer session, coordinated by Mr. Jerin, Agriculture Officer, provided an opportunity for farmers to discuss their field-level challenges. Special remarks were delivered by the input supplier, namely Boabs Biotech Company, Nelliyampathy, who emphasized the importance of balanced and need-based organic products for natural farming and demonstrated the use of various organic products in the fields to enhance crop productivity and sustainability. Dr. V. Ramesh and Dr. Saravanan Raju further stressed the significance of maintaining soil health and adopting balanced nutrient management practices to improve crop yield and farmers’ income. They also advised farmers to undertake soil testing at least once every five years, noting concerns regarding the excessive use of fertilizers.

The farmers actively participated in the programme and raised queries related to nutrient deficiencies and appropriate fertilizer application intervals. PGPR and Saral compost developed by ICAR–CTCRI were distributed to the participants by Mr. G. Suresh and Mr. K. Chandran, who also documented the programme through audio and video recording. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Suresh, Technical Officer. A total of 124 farmers (87 women and 37 men) participated in the programme, which successfully enhanced awareness on soil health management and improved tuber crop production technologies.