ICAR- KVK Gonikoppal in association with Puthari Farmers producers’ company (FPO), conducted one day training programme on Balanced Soil and Nutrient Management in plantation crops on 6th August 2019. Dr. P Shivaprasad, Soil Scientist from Coffee research station, Chettalli was the chief guest for the programme. Other invited guest included Mr. P. Mohan Kumar a successful coffee and pepper from Hassan district. 40 farmers from Kodagu district attended the training programme. Dr. Shivaprasad in his talk various topics like soil conditions of the district, soil acidity management, balanced and split application of nutrient application for higher yield, time of fertiliser application based on crop requirement and monsoon, different types of nutrients and crop yield and soil test based fertiliser application etc. The farmer actively engaged in the programme by clearing there most of the doubts related to fertiliser application.

In the afternoon session Mr. Mohan Kumar gave a detailed talk on his farming experiences in coffee, pepper, Arecanut and the cycles through which the price of different agricultural commodities go through. The farmers have to be aware of the price cycles of crops and accordingly need to plan for the future. Earlier, Mr. H.R. Ponnana, CEO Puthari FPO welcomed the guest and the farmers present at the programme. KVK Head Dr. Saju George gave an overview of the training programme. The vote of thanks was given by Mr. K.P Subbaiah, President, Puthari FPO.