Report of Intensive Awareness Campaign for the Adoption of Science Based Nutrient and Other Input Management
Organizing Institute: ICAR-Directorate of Cashew Research, Puttur, Karnataka
Scientific Team: Dr. Mohana, G.S., Principal Scientist, ICAR-DCR, Puttur
Dr. Thondaiman , Senior Scientist, ICAR-DCR, Puttur
Dr. Manjesh G.N., Senior Scientist, ICAR-DCR, Puttur
An awareness program on the above subject was
conducted in Panambu, Shantigodu village of Puttur Taluk, Dakshina Kannada
district, Karnataka state, on 21-04-2026. The program was started with a
welcome by Dr Manjesh. This was followed by a briefing about the program by Dr.
Mohana GS.
There was an interesting interaction among the farmers
regarding the usage of fertilisers in Jagannatha Gowda’s cashew farm, which
hosted this meeting. The cashew farm has the Bhaskara variety in 1.4 acres. The
farmer uses poultry manure along with chemical fertilisers for cashew. The
quantity of fertilisers applied was in line with the recommended dosage by the
Directorate of Cashew Research, Puttur. He and other farmers were advised to
apply farmyard manure along with the preparation of vermicompost. The booklet
on good agricultural practices in cashew was distributed to the farmers.
In addition, the farmers were sensitised to the
utilisation of cashew apples, which are largely wasted. The videos and shorts
related to cashew apple utilisation were shared. Also, the book on recipes of
cashew apple was given.
A total of 23 participants were present during the
meeting. In the end, Dr. Thondaiman proposed a vote of thanks.
In view of the National Campaign on Balanced Use of Fertilizers, which promotes the judicious and scientific application of nutrients (NPK and micronutrients) along with organic manures to enhance soil health and crop productivity, a field visit was conducted by a team of scientists comprising Dr. Venkatesh M.S., Principal Scientist (Team Leader),
Dr. D. Balasubramanian, Principal Scientist (Team Member), Dr. Siddanna Savadi, Senior Scientist (Team Member) and Dr. Manjunatha K., Scientist (Team Member). The programme was organized at farmers’ fields in Badagannur (Papemajalu), Kowdichar, Karnataka. The session commenced with an introductory briefing by Dr. Manjunatha K. on the objectives of the programme. Dr. Venkatesh M.S. emphasized the importance of soil testing and maintaining soil health for sustainable crop production. Dr. D. Balasubramanian elaborated on the balanced use of chemical fertilizers in combination with organic manures. Dr. Siddanna Savadi highlighted the role of micronutrients and the adverse effects of excessive fertilizer application. A practical demonstration on soil sampling techniques was conducted by Mrs. Vijetha, enabling farmers to understand proper sampling methods. Soil samples were collected from farmers’ fields for further analysis. The programme was attended by 24 participants, including 13 men and 11 women.
Organizing Institute: ICAR-Directorate of Cashew Research, Puttur, Karnataka
Scientific Team: Dr. D Balasubramanian, Principal Scientist, ICAR-DCR, Puttur
Dr. Babli Mog, Senior Scientist, ICAR-DCR, Puttur
Dr. Veena G L., Senior Scientist, ICAR-DCR, Puttur
Dr. Bhagya H P, Scientist, ICAR-DCR, Puttur
Number of participants: 28
Major crops: Cashew, Coconut, Arecanut, Cocoa and Black pepper
As a part of the intensive awareness campaign for the adoption of science-based nutrient and input management, a technical team from ICAR-DCR, Puttur, visited Kedambady village on April 17, 2026, to conduct an awareness programme for local farmers. The session focused on the balanced application of nutrients for a diversified range of crops, specifically cashew, coconut, arecanut, black pepper, and cocoa, emphasizing the vital importance of maintaining soil health through soil-test-based nutrient applications. The farmers were briefed on the integration of organic inputs, including farmyard manure, poultry manure, green leaf manure, and vermicompost, as well as the strategic use of biofertilizers to ensure long-term soil fertility and sustainability. Furthermore, the team demonstrated various science-based tools and standardized technologies developed by ICAR-DCR, Puttur, specifically designed to optimize cashew cultivation. The programme concluded by highlighting the necessity of preserving soil ecosystems and minimizing reliance on inorganic inputs, encouraging a shift toward scientific management practices to ensure the continued health and productivity of the farmers diversified crop holdings. A total of 28 farmers attended this programme.
Intensive Awareness Campaign for the Adoption of Science Based Nutrient and Other Input Management “meeting, held under the chairmanship of Dr. J. Dinakara Adiga, Director, ICAR- DCR, Puttur, held on April 16, 2026, at 9.30 AM in the Video Conference Room and all scientist of Directorate were participated and five teams were formed for implementing the awareness programme in effective way. The programme for implementing awareness programme was discussed and finalized.
