ICAR JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra and Boruka Charities Collaborate to Empower SC/ST Farmers with Urad Cultivation Training and Seed Distribution
Narasipur, March 24, 2025: In a significant step toward empowering Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) farmers, ICAR JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and Boruka Charities, T. Narasipur, organized a comprehensive training program on the cultivation, seed treatment, and seed production of the high-yielding urad variety LBG 791. The program, held at Akkur village of T. Narasipur taluk, aimed to equip farmers with advanced agricultural techniques to enhance productivity and profitability.
Dr. B.N. Gnanesh, Senior Scientist and Head of ICAR JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, emphasized the organization’s commitment to introducing new and improved crop varieties tailored to farmers’ needs. He highlighted the importance of training programs in guiding farmers to achieve higher yields and sustainable farming practices.
Key Recommendations for Urad Cultivation:
Smt. H.V. Divya, Seed Technologist at KVK, addressed the challenges faced by farmers in the region, who predominantly cultivate the T9 or local urad varieties, which are prone to diseases and yield low output. She recommended the LBG 791 variety as a superior alternative, citing its resistance to yellow leaf disease and higher yield potential.
To ensure healthy crop growth and maximize yield, Smt. Divya provided detailed guidance on seed treatment, soil preparation, and fertilizer application:
- Seed Treatment:
- Treat seeds with organic fertilizers such as Rhizobium, PSB, and Trichoderma at a rate of 200 grams per acre.
- Soil Preparation:
- Apply manure mixed with Trichoderma at a rate of 4 tons per acre or 2 tons of organic manure 2-3 weeks before sowing.
- Chemical Fertilizers:
- Based on soil test results, apply chemical fertilizers in the ratio of 10:20:10 kg nitrogen: phosphorus: potash per acre. Specific recommendations include:
- Urea 21.7 kg + SSP 125 kg + MOP 16.7 kg, or
- 10:26:26 (38.5 kg) + Urea 13.4 kg + SSP 62.5 kg, or
- DAP 43 kg + Urea 4.7 kg + MOP 16.7 kg.
- Based on soil test results, apply chemical fertilizers in the ratio of 10:20:10 kg nitrogen: phosphorus: potash per acre. Specific recommendations include:
- Weed Management:
- Spray the herbicide Sodium Acefluorfen 16.5% + Clodinafop-Propargyl 8% EC (Patela) at a rate of 3.5-4 ml per liter of water within 15-24 days of sowing when the soil is moist.
Smt. Divya assured farmers that the LBG 791 variety would not only yield higher outputs but also reduce cultivation costs due to its disease-resistant properties. She encouraged farmers to select high-quality plants and preserve seeds for future sowing.
Seed Distribution and Farmer Participation:
Following the training session, urad seeds of the LBG 791 variety were distributed to all participating farmers. Detailed records of the beneficiaries were maintained to ensure effective follow-up and support.
The event saw the presence of Mrs. Mangala, Program Coordinator of Boruka Charities, along with KVK’s subject matter experts, including Dr. Vinay G.M., Dr. Y.P. Prasad, and Dr. Deepak. Field assistants Akshay, Mahendra, and Mahadevaswamy also contributed to the program’s success. Over 80 farmers from the region actively participated, gaining valuable insights into modern urad cultivation practices.
Conclusion:
This collaborative initiative by ICAR JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra and Boruka Charities underscores their shared commitment to empowering marginalized farming communities through knowledge dissemination and resource support. By adopting the LBG 791 variety and implementing recommended practices, SC/ST farmers in T. Narasipur are poised to achieve higher yields, reduced costs, and improved livelihoods.