Suttur, September 20, 2025: A five-day Natural Farming Training Program for Community Resource Persons (CRPs) and Krishi Sakhis was organized from September 16 to 20, to September 20, 2025 at ICAR JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Suttur, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Mysuru, under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) Scheme.
The training was inaugurated in the presence of experts and practitioners who guided the participants on various aspects of natural farming. Shri Satish, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Mysuru and Nodal Officer of the NMNF Scheme, explained how Krishi Sakhis should implement natural farming in farmers’ fields and effectively work under the scheme. Dr. G. M. Vinay of JSS KVK elaborated on the principles of natural farming, its relevance in the present-day agricultural scenario, preparation of tools, crops suitable for natural farming, intercropping, and horticultural crops.
Dr. Gyanesh, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK, spoke on the importance of soil and its management, while Mr. Shamraju, Agronomist from KVK, delivered a session on soil management, cropping systems, integrated farming systems, and the steps to be taken from sowing to harvesting. Mrs. Divya, discussed the role of Beejamruta in natural farming and the importance of seed production.
Farmer Master Trainer Mr. Prithviraj conducted a live demonstration on his farm covering intercropping practices in coconut, natural rice cultivation, and preparation of formulations such as Jeevamruta, Beejamruta, and Brahmastra. Dr. Rakshitraj of KVK highlighted the importance of cattle in natural farming and the management of indigenous breeds, while Dr. Basavanagouda, Horticultural Scientist from Taralabalu KVK, Davanagere, explained the role of horticultural crops in natural farming and how farmers are achieving good yields by adopting these practices. Dr. Deepak addressed value addition and marketing of naturally grown crops, followed by Dr. Prasad Y.P. who gave insights on pest and disease management in natural farming. Experienced natural farmer Mr. Shivakumaraswamy from Heggavadipur in Chamarajanagar district shared his expertise on horticultural crops suited for natural farming, different methods of preparing Jeevamruta, cultivation of fruit crops requiring less water, and chemical-free cultivation and marketing techniques.
At the valedictory session, the Nodal Officers of the NMNF Scheme, who participated as chief guests, commended the ICAR JSS KVK for providing extensive knowledge and urged the CRPs to extend their support to farmers in adopting natural farming practices.
Presiding over the program, Dr. Gyanesh, Senior Scientist and Head, JSS KVK, congratulated the Mysuru Agriculture Department and the CRPs for their active participation and successful completion of the program.
Certificates were distributed to all the participants. In total, 38 CRPs took part in the five-day training and greatly benefited from the sessions.
