Suttur, October 25, 2026: The Save Agricultural Land Campaign, organised by the Union Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, was inaugurated by Mrs. D. N. Mamata, Assistant General Manager, Divisional Office, Karnataka State Agricultural Marketing Board, Mysuru. The programme also featured training on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and scientific farming practices in coconut and arecanut cultivation.
Presiding over the programme, Dr. B. N. Gyanesh, Head of ICAR–JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), said the campaign was being conducted across Mysuru district from October 22 to November 30 under the theme “Save Soil, Save Agriculture, Save Farmers”.
He highlighted rising temperatures, excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, soil erosion, and extreme weather conditions as major challenges facing the agricultural sector. He said the campaign’s primary objective was to maintain soil health and safeguard agriculture for future generations.
Dr. Gyanesh urged farmers to integrate AI into their coconut and arecanut plantations alongside traditional farming practices. He explained its applications in plant disease detection, smart irrigation, and Internet of Things (IoT)-based automation. He also encouraged farmers to cultivate cocoa and pepper as intercrops to generate a steady income.
Addressing the gathering, Mrs. Mamata explained the facilities and schemes available to farmers through the Karnataka State Agricultural Marketing Board. She said the Central Government had fixed minimum support prices (MSP) for 23 crops, comprising seven cereals, five pulses, seven oilseeds, and four commercial crops.
She advised farmers to contact officials of their nearest Agricultural Marketing Board office for further information on MSP. Participants were also briefed on using the Agricultural Marketing Board’s mobile application.
Dr. G. M. Vinay welcomed the gathering, Mr. Shamraj proposed the vote of thanks, and Mr. N. Mahendra compered the programme. More than 50 farmers, along with KVK staff, participated in the programme.
