Suttur, October 14, 2026: A one-day training programme on “Scientific Farming Practices and Improved Production Technologies in Banana Cultivation” was jointly organised by ICAR-JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Suttur, and the Karnataka State Agricultural Marketing Board, Mysuru, at the KVK premises on October 14, 2026.
Inaugurating the programme, Smt. Mamatha D. N., Assistant General Manager, Karnataka State Agricultural Marketing Board, outlined the Board’s principal objectives: strengthening the regulated agricultural marketing system, improving transportation and marketing facilities for agricultural produce, and supporting financially weaker agricultural marketing committees through loans and grants. She also explained the Board’s efforts to provide assistance, including insurance facilities, to safeguard farmers’ interests and improve agricultural marketing.
Mr. Manjunath, Manager, Karnataka State Agricultural Marketing Board, attended the programme as a guest.
Progressive farmer Mr. Nanjundaswamy shared his experiences in organic farming, soil health conservation and the use of organic fertilisers. He explained that reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers and using cow dung, compost, green manure and other organic inputs could improve soil fertility. He stressed that increasing soil organic carbon, promoting microbial activity and conserving soil moisture were essential for sustainable agriculture. He encouraged farmers to reduce cultivation costs by making effective use of locally available organic resources and adopting environmentally friendly farming practices.
Presiding over the programme, Dr. B. N. Gnanesh, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-JSS KVK, Suttur, highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture. He explained how AI could help identify crop diseases, manage pests and diseases, plan agricultural operations based on weather forecasts, and optimise water and fertiliser use.
Emphasising that soil health forms the foundation of agriculture, he advised farmers to apply fertilisers in recommended quantities based on soil testing and improve soil quality by incorporating organic matter. He explained that AI could help farmers select suitable cultivation practices by analysing soil test results, weather information and crop requirements.
Dr. Gnanesh also urged farmers to look beyond production and consider market demand, price fluctuations, consumer needs and value addition. He encouraged them to use digital market platforms and modern information systems to secure better prices for their produce.
Dr. Vinay and Dr. Prasad, Subject Matter Specialists at ICAR-JSS KVK, Suttur, provided technical guidance on banana cultivation.
The programme aimed to raise awareness of scientific banana cultivation, modern technologies, soil health conservation and market-oriented agriculture. It encouraged farmers to combine sustainable farming practices with modern technologies to improve productivity and profitability.
Shri Mahendra N. compered the programme, Dr. Vinay G. M. welcomed the participants, and Shri Shamraju proposed the vote of thanks. More than 60 farmers, including women farmers, participated in the training.
