Harvest festival of technology demonstration on ‘Resource conserving and eco friendly technologies in paddy cultivation’ was conducted at Kizhakke Munduveliparapu padasekharam of Muttar panchayath on 8.3.2017. The technology demonstration was conducted as a part of ‘National innovations in climate resilient agriculture’ project being implemented by ICAR –KVK Alappuzha. Sri. Ashokan KVK, Standing committee chairman, Alappuzha district panchayath, inaugurated the harvest fest. He assured that the district panchayath will focus on spreading the eco friendly climate resilient technologies demonstrated in the Muttar village, in the Harithakeralam initiative of Kerala State government, for which he requested the participation of KVK-Alappuzha.
The technologies like soil test based dolomite and nutrient application, sowing of seeds using drum seeder, eco friendly pest and disease management using bio control agents like trichocards and pseudomonas were demonstrated in 100 hectare area with the support of 30 partner farmers. The major advantage of the technology was reduction in cost of cultivation to the tune of Rs. 20000/- per hectare towards the cost of seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, harvesting etc. Moreover the crop was healthy and withstand the summer showers, which made the harvesting operation by combined harvester easier.
The meeting was presided by Sri. Mathukkutty Eapen, President, Muttar panchayth, in which Sri. M K Joseph, Smt. Rejimol Purushothaman, Grama panchayath members, Sri, Sreekumara Panicker, Agriculture Officer, Muttar, Sri. Rajeev M. S, Subject Matter Specialist, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Smt. Reema Anand, SRF, NICRA project, Sri. Alexander Antony, Sri. P. D. Xavier, farmer representatives spoke. More than 75 farmers from the panchayth attended the meeting.
