AGRONOMY

The Agronomy division of KVK is at the forefront of technology assessment and refinement, frontline demonstration in Paddy, Black Pepper, fodder, coconut, tuber crops, composting etc.

• Weed management is the major problem faced by the farmers where weedy rice is the prominent weed. KVK has conducted FLD on Integrated weed management in rice to control it.
1. The demonstrations include Stale seedbed technology, Application of pre-emergent herbicide Oxyflurfen and Use of weed wiper.
2. Soil test-based use of secondary and micronutrients was demonstrated by the application of Magnesium sulphate and borax.
3. The use of Sampoorna KAU multi mix was popularised among the farmers.
4. Newly released rice varieties from Kerala Agriculture University like Prathyasha, Manuratna were introduced to farmers of this district.
• New black pepper varieties, including IISR Shakthi, IISR Thevam and Panniyur 8, were tested to check for Phytophthora footrot tolerance.
• Introduction of Bush pepper varieties under homestead farming is another achievement of the division.
• In coconut, a trial has been in progress on “Enhancing the productivity of coconut through Integrated Nutrient Management and mitigating sub-surface acidity”

The agronomy division is helping farmers and extension functionaries to acquire the latest technologies through on and off-campus training, method demonstration, seminars, field visit, etc.