Suttur, October 21, 2019: The ICAR JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, in collaboration with the Horticulture Department and Hullahalli FPO, successfully organized a comprehensive one-day training program focused on nutrient management, integrated disease, and pest management, and micronutrient utilization on October 17, 2019.
Farmers cultivating watermelon and tomato crops in the region were facing significant challenges due to inadequate knowledge of nutrition management, pest, and disease control, resulting in reduced yields and financial losses. Recognizing the need to address these issues, the ICAR JSS KVK and the FPO, Hullahalli, joined forces to conduct the training program under the Integrated Horticulture Development Programme.
Esteemed speaker Dr. Arasu Mallaiah, a retired professor, delivered valuable insights on organic farming and integrated pest and disease management, specifically tailored for watermelon and tomato crop cultivators. Dr. Shamraj, a scientist at KVK, elucidated cultivation methods and integrated nutrient management practices for horticultural crops. Sri Shivakumar, Horticulture Officer, highlighted the various facilities offered by the Horticulture Department and provided guidance on innovative technologies, chemical fertilizer usage, and effective crop and disease-pest management strategies.
Smt. H.V. Divya, Seed Technology Scientist at JSS KVK, shared her expertise on bio-pesticides, farm netting, organic farming techniques, Beejamrutha, and Agniasthra. She encouraged farmers to seek further information and purchase the necessary tools from the JSS Agri Clinic in Suttur and Mysuru.
The training program witnessed the active participation of 52 farmers from neighboring villages such as Shiramalli, Heggadahalli, Deveerammanahalli, Haratale, Rampura, and Huskuru.
Dignitaries present at the event included Sri Puttabasappa, Director of FPO, Hullahalli, and Sri Lokesh. Sri V.N. Murthy, CEO of FPO, expressed gratitude in his vote of thanks, while Smt. Divya skillfully compered the proceedings.
Following the training program, the scientists accompanied the participants to various fields, including a tomato field owned by farmer Sri Mahadevappa in Mobballi village, as well as banana and watermelon farms belonging to Sri Lokesh in Haratale and Sri Marinanjaiah, respectively. In these field visits, information on integrated disease and pest management was shared, further enhancing the participants’ practical understanding.
Training programme on watermelon and tomato crops integrated crop management and visit by the scientists to the farm.