Suttur, October 11, 2025: ICAR JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Suttur, in association with the Department of Agriculture, organized a one-day “Legumes Agricultural Technologies and Value-Addition Training” along with the live telecast of the Prime Minister’s launch of Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (Pulses Self-Reliance Mission) at its campus on Saturday.
The program was attended by Shri Ravi, Assistant Director, Agriculture Department, Nanjangud Taluk; Shri Nanjundaswamy, President, Biligere GP; progressive farmers Smt. Shylaja, Shri Ratnashekar, and Shri S. Shantamurthy; and Dr. B. N. Gnanesh, Senior Scientist & Head, JSS KVK. Dr. Y. P. Prasad anchored the proceedings, Dr. G. M. Vinay delivered the welcome address, and Shamraj proposed the vote of thanks. More than 250 farmers (men and women) participated, along with 89 girl students from JSS Women’s College, Kollegal.
Speaking on local agronomic priorities, Shri Ravi noted that the importance of legumes has declined in Nanjangud and T. Narasipura taluks because cereal crops are cultivated in both seasons. He urged farmers to reintroduce legumes particularly in rainfed fields and in areas with pumpsets, highlighting that legumes enhance soil fertility and are protein-rich, and encouraged farmers to increase dietary intake of pulses.
Dr. P. Mahadevu, Assistant Director (Research), University of Agricultural Sciences, Mandya, called on farmers to think like entrepreneurs—to focus on soil health, grow high-quality crops aligned to market demand, and pursue value-addition to realize better profits.
Presiding over the event, Dr. B. N. Gnanesh emphasized that the Government of India’s Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–31) aims to increase indigenous production of pulses, reduce import dependence, raise farm incomes, and save foreign exchange. The Union Cabinet has approved the Mission for six years (2025-26 to 2030-31) with a financial outlay of `11,440 crore, with priorities that include climate-resilient practices, improving soil health, and productive use of wastelands; he encouraged phased adoption of organic methods.
In the technical session, Smt. H. V. Divya briefed farmers on selecting suitable pulse varieties, seed treatment, best-practice cultivation techniques, and value-addition opportunities. Progressive farmers Shri Ratnashekar, Shri Shantamurthy, and Smt. Shylaja also shared field experiences and practical tips with attendees.
