Inauguration of SCSP Project and New Initiatives at KVK Idukki to Empower Farmers
(30-Jan-2025)
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Idukki, Kerala organized a ICAR-NBAIR Scheme on ‘Ensuring livelihood security for SC farmers of Santhanpara village’ on 13/01/2025. The programme was begun with the ICAR Theme song followed by the welcoming by Dr. R Marimuthu, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK, Idukki. He described about the progress and development in the KVK with the support of ATARI and the cooperation of farmers in Idukki. Dr. V. Venkatasubramanian, Director of ICAR-ATARI, Bengaluru, delivered the presidential address emphasised on the relevance and significance of farming community in the present situation of society. While Dr. S. N. Sushil, Director of ICAR-NBAIR, inaugurated the project and distributed inputs to SC beneficiaries. He appreciated the activities conducting in the KVK, which would be helpful for the enhancing the wealth and health of farmers. The event also marked the launch of the Kisan Samriddhi online portal spice kit and a honey product developed by the High Range Honey Unit supported by KVK Idukki. Kisan Samriddhi online portal is a nationwide brand for enhancing the marketing of farmers’ produce. An SCSP Project titled “Enhancing livelihood security of SC farmers of Santhanpara Panchayat via capacity building and demonstration of improved production technologies in spice crops,” was inaugurated along with a Bio-Control Production Unit, Black Pepper Varietal Garden and Azhukal Special Production Unit established in the KVK campus. The bio-control lab unit was established as mass multiplication centre of biogents like Pseudomonas fluorescens, Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis and Trichogramma utilizing the technology of ICAR-NBAIR. Azhukal special production unit is focused for enhancing the production of Azhukal special, which is an inevitable organic solution for the Azhukal disease in cardamom. The Black Pepper Varietal Garden was developed with 24 varieties released from KAU, IISR and important local cultivars in Vietnam model of cultivation. About 60 farmers were attended and benefited with the NBAIR technology input supply. These initiatives aim to empower farmers with advanced technologies and improved agricultural practices for better livelihood and productivity.
