Two-day vocational training programme on Integrated Farming System was conducted at KVK, Gonikoppal from 15th to 16th Feb 2020 for the twenty members of “PUNYA BHOOMI Sansthe”, Hassan District. Dr. Vjay Angadi, Programme Officer, Krishi Ranga, Akashwani, All India Radio, Madikeri inaugurated the programme by watering the plant. Dr. Saju George, Head, KVK highlighted the importance of eco-friendly technologies for organic farming and its available facilities at KVK Gonikoppal. Mr. Karyappa, Vice-Chairman, Puthari FPO spoke on the importance of FPOs in uplifting the image of farmers and enhancement of farmers income during the inaugural programme and explained the activities of Puthari FPO. The beneficial effects of Arka Microbial consortium and its importance in organic farming was explained to the farmers by Veerendrakumar, K.V. SMS (Plant Protection). Dr.Somshekar, SMS(Plant Breeding) demonstrated the production of oyster mushrooms. Importance of Soil Health cards was explained to the farmers by Mr. Prabhakar B. SMS(Horticulture). Later, the farmers were taken to Athur Farm, where the Trellis method of runner production and importance of Arka Coorg Excel in enhancing the production and productivity was explained by Devaiah, K A. SMS(Horticulture). Dr. Suresh, SMS(Livestock) explained the activities carried out at animal units (Piggery, Poultry, Dairy, Goatary), Azolla and Fodder units. A field visit was organised in the farm of Shri. Rana Nanjappa vermicomposting unit at Arvathoklu village. He explained the multiplication of earthworms, half decomposition of farm waste, production of vermicompost (30 tons/year) and its helpfulness to the farmer. Later, coffee based integrated mixed farming system and scientific calf rearing unit and its benefits was explained by Shri. Subash, Awardee farmer, Arvathoklu village during the field visit to his estate. A special guest lecture was arranged for the benefit of trainees on role of birds in agriculture pest management by Shri. Krishna Chaitanya, State level awardee science teacher, Govt. High School, Gonikoppal.

On the second day, trainees were taken to Bee keeping demonstration unit at College of Forestry, where, Dr. Kenchareddy, Assistant Professor explained the bee keeping prospects in crop pollination and honey production. Trainees were later taken to Ramakrishna Ashram, Ponnampet, where they participated in prayer, meditation, cleaning of premises, visit to naturopathi centre. A talk was also arranged by Dr. Spurthi, shee explaining and demonstrating the importance of Yogasana, Pranayama in maintain the health and wealth of farmers involved in agriculture. Also, a field visit was undertaken to Shri. Hanif, farmers who is practicing Coffee based mixed cropping system (Coffee, Black pepper, Arecanut, fruits crops, vegetables, goatary, dairy, back yard poultry). The farmers expressed their happiness at the training arrangements and the numerous new learnings they acquired during the visit and training programme.Over all, the trainees were well inspired by the KVK activities and the visit to different Progressive farmers plot visits. The programme was conducted and coordinated by Prabhakar, B. SMS(Horticulture) along with Dr. Vijay Angadi, Programme Officer, All India Radio, Madikeri.