August 2022

Suttur, August 30: Rudrabhisheka special pooja and procession of the Utsava murthy was held at the Sri Veerabhadreshwara Temple, inside the Srimath premises in Suttur on August 30, Tuesday, on the occasion of the Sri Veerabhadreshwara Jayanti Utsav. Devotees participated in large numbers in the pooja program.

Suttur, August 29, 2022: Sri Naveen Kumar H.M., a dynamic and determined MBA graduate from Ratnapuri Village, Hunsur Taluk, Mysuru District, has emerged as a shining example of success in agriculture through his innovative venture in banana farming.

With a passion for organic farming, Sri Naveen Kumar made a bold decision to utilize his 12-acre agricultural land to cultivate mixed crops. In addition, he applied for and successfully secured a subsidized loan under the prestigious PM FME (PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme), enabling him to establish a micro food processing unit in his village. This marked the beginning of his journey into producing raw banana powder (Bakahu) and other value-added products.

Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, Sri Naveen Kumar ventured into online marketing and swiftly found a suitable market for his products. Through dedication and hard work, he not only excelled in farming but also became a successful entrepreneur, setting a remarkable example for others in the agricultural sector.

The unwavering support of his wife, Smt. Veena, and other family members played a pivotal role in his success. To enhance his skills and knowledge, Sri Naveen Kumar underwent training in banana fruit processing at the renowned Banana Research Center in Tiruchy, as well as acquired expertise in dehydration and value addition at the Center for Agriculture Institute, Coimbatore.

Presently, his micro food processing unit produces a range of high-quality products, including banana raw banana powder, dry banana flakes, juice, noodles, chips, and other value-added items. Sri Naveen Kumar strategically purchases fruits and vegetables from local farmers during periods of low prices, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials for his thriving enterprise. His efforts have not only resulted in substantial profits but also brought smiles to the faces of farmers by providing them with a reliable market for their produce.

In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Sri Naveen Kumar H.M. was honored with the prestigious ‘Best Entrepreneur’ award from the National Banana Research Center in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, on August 20, 2022.

Associated with the esteemed ICAR JSS Krishi Vignan Kendra, Sri Naveen Kumar actively contributes to the agricultural community. He generously shares his knowledge and experiences as a resource person, inspiring and guiding farmers, students, entrepreneurs, and members of self-help groups. His farm and processing unit have become a go-to destination for those seeking practical insights and inspiration in the agricultural sector.

Suttur, August 23, 2022: ICAR JSS Krishi Vignan Kendra, located in Suttur, successfully conducted an insightful online training program on natural farming on August 23, 2022.

The training program aimed to address the challenges faced by farmers due to the declining fertility of soil caused by years of chemical fertilizer usage. Dr. G.M. Vinay, a distinguished Horticulture Scientist, emphasized the importance of natural farming as an effective alternative. He highlighted the detrimental effects of excessive fertilizer usage, which has resulted in diminished yields and economic setbacks for farmers. In contrast, natural farming offers a sustainable approach that utilizes locally available resources such as compost, cow dung, and cow urine, eliminating the need for expensive agricultural implements.

Renowned expert Mugatihalli Chandrashekar from Chikkamagaluru District served as the resource person for the training program. He shed light on the history of chemical farming in India, which began during the green revolution in the 1960s but ultimately led to soil infertility. With the present challenges, Chandrashekar emphasized the significance of adopting natural farming methods, particularly utilizing cow dung. He elucidated the four fundamental principles of natural farming: Beejamrutha, Jeevamrutha, Hodike, and Vaafasaa. By incorporating these principles, farmers can achieve favorable yields in any type of soil while preserving its quality for future generations.

The comprehensive training program provided valuable insights into crop management, nutrition management, and effective pest control. Drawing from his extensive 15-year experience in natural farming, Chandrashekar shared practical knowledge with the participants. The training program also featured an interactive session, allowing farmers to engage with the resource person and address their queries.

The event witnessed the participation of approximately 55 farmers from various regions across the state. Their active involvement and enthusiasm highlighted the growing interest among farmers to explore sustainable farming practices and improve agricultural outcomes.

Farmers, anganwadi activists along with the KVK staff members removed the parthenium grown in the JSS KVK campus.

Suttur, August 16, 2022: The ICAR JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra (JSS KVK) organized a ‘Parthenium Eradication Week,’ from August 16 to 22, 2022.

The farmers and Anganwadi activists who visited KVK during the week were educated about parthenium and its ill effects. Information regarding preparing the compost using parthenium and other weeds available in the fields was taught to the farmers.

Farmers, Anganwadi activists, and KVK staff removed the parthenium grown on the JSS KVK campus.

Training on parthenium and its ill-effects to farmers and anganwadi activists, held at the ICAR JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, in Suttur.