One-day seminar on effective and judicious application of fertilizers was organized at ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gonikoppal on 22nd October 2019 in collaboration with Coffee Board Chettalli, IISR-RS Appangala, MCF Ltd. & ATMA, Kodagu. The Programme was inaugurated by Shri. Prasanna, Regional Manager, Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd., Hassan Division. Importance of selection of appropriate fertilizer source (Compost, Farm yard Manure, Green manure crops, Organic and In-organic), time of application, quantity and method of application to enhance the crop yield was the theme of the programme. In the beginning, Dr. Saju George, Head, KVK Gonikoppal spoke about the importance of the day and appreciated the interest of farmers for maximum participation from different parts of the district. Soil test-based limiting and fertilizers application, a necessity in improving the production and productivity of crops was highlighted by the resource person Dr. Shivaprasad, Soil Scientist & Deputy Director of Research, Coffee Research Sub Station, Chettalli to the gathered farmers. Dr. S J Ankegowda, Head IISR-RS, Appangala gave a talk on Judicious use of fertilizers and balanced nutrition in Spices Crops (Black pepper, Cardamom, Ginger and Turmeric). Dr. Adarsh, Scientist, Mangalore Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd. spoke on new fertilizers, foliar sprays, speciality fertilizer and slow releasing fertilizer for crop health management and improvement of crop production. More than 150 farmers had attended the programme through ATMA and SKDRP. Agricultural officials from Kodagu district also participated in the programme and interacted with resource persons and scientists of KVK on various aspects of crop production during the Scientists- Farmers interface held at the end of the programme. The launching programme of fertilizer awareness programme from New Delhi in which Hon’ble Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister and Hon’ble Minister for Fertilizers and Chemicals participated was live telecasted to the gathered farmers from 12 noon to 1pm. A field visit was also arranged to KVK Farm for explaining the ongoing farm activities. The whole programme was coordinated by Prabhakar, B. SMS (Horticulture). An exhibition was also arranged on the occasion for the benefit of farmers.
