ICAR - Krishi Vigyan Kendra

Background Information

   Mr. Govindhasamy owns 3 acres of land in Kaveripattinam block. His farm is situated along the channels of Krishnagiri Reservoir Project. The soil fertility improves due to canal irrigation. He cultivates paddy during one season in 1 acre. In 1 acre of land he cultivates papaya and banana. He is maintaining 1 desi cow and 2 cross bred cows. After retiring from Indian Army, he took up Natural farming. He practices and teaches yoga.

KVK Intervention

   Mr. Govindhasamy undertook training on organic farming cultivation under Skill training on “Organic grower” which was organized by our KVK. Further he used to attend all the training related to organic and natural farming conducted by our KVK.
   Even though his well-wishers and friend discouraged him in doing natural farming. With the like-minded friends, he started traditional market (Marabu Sandhai), a platform for marketing of organic products. This market functions every Sunday in a vast ground in prime locality. He was one of the farmer selected for demonstration under the project “Out-scaling of Natural farming”. He was supplied with barrel for the production of organic inputs and other organic inputs. He started producing Jeevamirtham, Gana jeevamirtham and used it for papaya and banana along with vermicompost. He used insect repellent for the pest problem. He could observe that the earthworm population increased in his farm after started using the organic inputs. He avoids chemical fertilizers, fungicide and pesticides. With the guidance of KVK followed staggered planting of banana and papaya and started selling organic papaya and elakki banana. He has transformed his maruti omni car into a “Organic Shop” and sells his products in this vehicle.

Output and outcome

   Since he plants papaya and banana in a staggered manner and due to direct marketing, he could harvest throughout the year and thereby able to get a fair price. He got an average price of Rs. 30/Kg for papaya and Rs. 60/Kg for banana. He got a net profit of Rs. 1,00,000/- from 0.5 acres of papaya and Rs. 80,000/- from 0.5 acres of banana. He established the brand value for his products.
   He is satisfied with the interventions made under Natural farming and continue to adopt these techniques.

Photographs

ASCI training on Organic Farming	Papaya under Natural farming

1. Situation analysis/Problem statement

   In Krishnagiri district, Schedule caste and Scheduled Tribes population spread over Krishnagiri, Bargur, Veppanapalli, Kelamangalam and Thally blocks. Out of total population, there are 14.22% Scheduled Caste and 1.19 % Scheduled Tribe living in Krishnagiri district. The social economic condition of Scheduled Tribes is poor and majority of the population depends only on forest resources and agriculture for their livelihood.Malnutrition and nutrition related disorders are common health related issues found among all age groups.
   Vitamin A deficiency and iron deficiency (Anaemia), Low Body Mass Index are wide spread in the tribal women, lactating and pregnant mothers.
   The reason behind this low intake of vegetables, fruits and other healthy foods.
   The other factors are poor purchasing power, poor access market, social taboos, ignorance, social cultural habits, large family size, illiteracy, poor knowledge on the concept of healthy diet are the reason. More over tribal women faced several health issues, nutritional disorders.
   Hence the demonstration of nutri garden model is one of the best approaches to attain nutritional security, balanced intake of fruit and vegetables helps to overcome such nutritional disorder and malnutrition problem.
   Mrs. M. Gowri W/o. Mani, Javukpallam Village of Bargur Block, Krishnagiri District poor intake of balanced diet. Her health got deteriorated.
   Tribal women are economically backward and need to be give more awareness on balanced diet and proper consumption of fruit and vegetables, proper training on Nutri Garden concept and its benefits, for reducing risk of malnutrition among the groups in the tribal families.Hence, the KVK has planned to promote nutri garden in Javukpallam villages for the economically weaker section.

2. Plan, Implement and Support

   During 2022-23, Fifteen Scheduled tribal farmers were selected for conducting nutritional survey in Javukpallam village of Bargur block and provided with critical input like native seeds (Brinjal, Tomato, Bhendi, Gourds, Chillies, Cluster beans, Cowpea, Amaranthus, Raddish), Seedlings (Moringa, Papaya, Amla, Guava), Vermicompost and grow bag kits of various dimensions distributed to the selected tribals of Javukpallam Village. They were regularly supported with technical guidance through varioustraining programmes. The training programmes were emphasised with organic method of cultivation, preliminary maintenance of soil health by organic manures like farmyard manure, vermicompost, water management.
   Training conducted on nutri garden are as follows:

3. Outcome

   Mrs. Gowri, based on the nutritional status such as body weight, BMI improved for the past 9 month study. An additional, sustainable net income Rs.1,150/- per month alsoget from the sales of vegetables and greens which satisfies other family needs. At present, sheact as a trainer in and around the tribal areas to promote the concept of nutri garden for maintaining proper health and nutritional security.

4. Impact

A. Nutritional security - improved in terms of bodyweight and HB level of all age groups,
B. Home environment clean and eco-friendly,
C. Increase in savings due to cultivation of nutri garden,
D. Need long term study results to observe the health status among the vulnerable peoples.

4. Photographs

Training and Distribution of critical inputs	Nutrigarden in their homestead area

1. Domain of the study

   In Krishnagiri district, Schedule caste and Scheduled Tribes population spread in Krishnagiri, Bargur, Veppanapalli, Kelamangalam and Thally blocks. Out of total population, there are 14.22 % Scheduled Caste and 1.19 % Scheduled Tribe living in Krishnagiri district. The social economic condition of Scheduled Tribes is poor and majority of the population depends only on forest resources for their livelihood. They are lacking of awareness on the availability of high yielding varieties in Agriculture, Horticulture crops. Also the unavailability of high yielding varietal seeds force them to go for the available traditional local low yielding varieties in agriculture crops like Finger millets and Horsegram. As the existing low yielding traditional varieties are repeated over the years, the yield obtained from them gets reduced year after year that results in lower profitability. Hence to make sure for the seed availability, KVK has planned to promote the seed production in the villages where the economically weaker section resides under SCSP.

2. KVK Interventions

   During 2022-23, Twenty Scheduled tribes farmers were selected and distributed with 100 kgs of Paiyur2 Ragi seeds in Poomalai Nagar of Bargur block and another 20 farmers were distributed with 100 kgs of Horse gram seeds in Annanagar village of Kelamangalam block. They were supported with technical guidance. Training programmes were also conducted to impart the knowledge and skills on seed production. The training programmes were emphasised with ICM technologies in Horse gram and Ragi.

3. Outcome

   Finger millets Seed production results showed that the average yield recorded from the farmers fields was 15 Qtl/ha with Paiyur2 variety. The net return obtained was Rs.35,000/ha. The total finger millet produced under seed production was 12 tons in 8 hectares.

   Horse gram Seed production results showed that the average yield recorded from the farmers fields was 5 Qtl/ha with Paiyur2 variety. The net return obtained was Rs.18,000/ha. The total horse gram produced under seed production was 2 tons in 4 hectares.

4. Impact

   Initially the finger millet seeds distributed to 20 farmers in an area of 8 ha and Horse gram seeds were distributed to 20 farmers in an area of 4 ha only. The farmers used the seeds produced for their own consumption and the excess quantity were sold and distributed to around 250 farmers which spreads to an area of 100 ha. Similarly the horse gram seeds were also sold and distributed to around 100 farmers which spreads to an area of 40 ha in various blocks of Krishnagiri district. This is supposed to grow up and further spread is expected in future under seed production.

Photographs

Horsegram seeds - Activities under SCSP	Ragi seeds - Activities under SCSP

1. Situation analysis/Problem statement

   Tomato is cultivated in Krishnagiri district throughout the year in an area of 11,000 hectares. The climatic conditions in Krishnagiri district are favourable for higher yield and quality. All private hybrids and improved varieties were cultivated in this district. The tomato grows on practically all soils from light sandy to heavy clay. Light soils are good for an early crop, while clay loam and silt-loam soils are well suited for heavy yields. Tomatoes do best in a soil that has a soil reaction from pH 6.0 to 7.0. If the soil is acidic liming is required. A wide range of insects attack tomato and forms major limiting factor in its successful cultivation and in improvement of yield

   The Tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the global major destructive invasive pests found to be occurring in India in the year 2014. The pest has spread from South America to several parts of Europe, entire Africa and has now spread to India. The plants are damaged by direct feeding on leaves, stems, buds, calyces, young fruit, or ripe fruit and by the invasion of secondary pathogens which enter through the wounds made by the pest. Tuta absoluta has a very high reproduction capability. There are up to 10-12 generations in year in favourable conditions. Damage done to fruits caused direct economic loss. It can cause up to 50% loss of yield and deteriorate the fruit quality under field conditions. In view of growing concern among the people for pesticide contamination along with gaining popularity of organic farming, adoption of Integrated and eco friendly methods of pest management in vegetable crop like tomato has become very important. This would also enable less or no insecticide residue in farm produce above detectable level. Keeping this in consideration, role of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) becomes more relevant particularly in Tomato

2. Plan, Implement and Support

   Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Krishnagiri in collaboration with NBAIR conducted awareness programme in shoolagiri village of Krishnagiri district. A model demonstration was conducted in the year of 2015 -16 and work shop was conducted in shoolagiri village. About 200 farmers participated in this programme. Director of NBAIR was attended as Chief Guest Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Krishnagiri conducted FLD programme on Demonstration on Management of Tomato pin worm at Thottakanavu village of Veppanapalli block and also KVK disseminated IPM technology through various extension activities in various villages of Krishnagiri district. On campus and off campus training programmes were conducted to impart knowledge and skills on IPM among the farmers. During training programmes and field visits emphasis was given on IPM technologies. KVK demonstrated at each selected farmer’s field on IPM technologies viz., cultural practices, botanical pesticides, Yellow sticky traps and pheromone traps with lures. Method demonstration was also done on above technologies. Constant follow up visits, meetings, and other extension activities were organized. The advice about need based pesticides usage was also given during the field visits.

3. Output

   The male adults of T.absoluta trapped by using pheromone trap in demonstrated Thootakanavu village of Veppanapalli block with farmers participation. The Front line demonstrations results showed that the highest yield was recorded in adoption of IPM technologies (75.7 qtl/ha) followed by farmers practice. The net return was highest in IPM demonstrated field (Rs. 1,46,338)than compared to the farmers practice (Rs. 1,05,517). Average of 56.58 adult moths was collected per trap. There was 58.02 percent reduction of Tuta absoluta incidence in fruits over the farmers practice.

4. Outcome

   From the Front Line Demonstrations conducted during the 2018-19 it was found that adoption of IPM technologies significantly reduced the incidence of Tuta absoluta when compared to the farmers practice and also the quality and marketability of the fruits got increased. The pheromone technology was well received by the farmers due its effective nature. The farmer from the other blocks of Krishnagiri has also been made aware of the performance of IPM technology particularly the pheromone traps. Prior to this technology, the only option available with the farmer was to spray chemical insecticides. Mr. Nagaraj, progressive farmers resorted to four rounds o spray of insecticides. When he started to use the pheromone traps for mass trapping the population load was down and this enable his bring down the application of insecticides to two rounds which could save his resources

5. Impact

   Due to the continuous effort taken by KVK this technology reached to wider areas. Different extension activities like Method demonstration, Field demonstration, field visits, and publishing extension literatures were done. KVK was able to create the awareness about the symptoms in the leaves which earlier was lacking. Because of this the farmers were able to identify the symptoms much earlier and are able to take up corrective measures. Through trainings to input dealers on the management of this pest wider publicity was given. The adoption percentage is about 60 percentages now from a meager value of 5 percentages.

1. Situation analysis/Problem statement

   In Krishnagiri district, farmers rear crossbred dairy cows under semi-intensive system and mainly maintained by small and marginal farmers. Mastitis has been and continues to be recognized as one of the major disease problems concerning the dairy industry. It is also one of the most costly diseases confronting the dairy farmer. Unlike the clinical mastitis, in sub clinical mastitis there is neither visual abnormality in milk nor in mammary gland. Therefore, knowledge of routine physical examination of udder and diagnostic screening tests for early detection of mastitis and proper treatment of affected animal is one of the paramount importance in order to minimize losses encountered due to sub clinical as well as clinical mastitis. In a dairy cow, if one quarter is affected, there will a loss of 30% of the milk production capacity.

   Subclinical mastitis is more prevalent than mastitis. Somatic cell count is a useful predictor of intra mammary infection and therefore, an important component of milk in assessment of aspects of quality, hygiene and mastitis control. In Krishnagiri district most dairy farmers were unaware of the latest technologies and clean milk production practices to prevent subclinical mastitis/mastitis

2. Plan, Implement and Support

   To overcome the problems faced by the farmers and to create awareness among the farmers Front Line demonstrations was taken up to demonstrate the use of Mastiguard (Teat protect Spray and TANUCHEK SCC kit) and Clean milk production practices in comparison with farmers practice at farmers level to prevent and control Subclinical mastitis/ mastitis in Krishnagiri district during 2018 -19, 2019-20 and 2020-21. Demonstrations was conducted in 40 locations at Kaveripatinam and Krishnagiri block during these periods.

Technology Demonstrated:

Post milking Teat protect spray

Detection of Subclinical Mastitis using TANUHCEK SCC Kit

Efforts of Krishi Vigyan Kendra in clean milk production

Webinar conducted on Scientific Dairy farming and created awareness on Mastitis management and its control, Ethno veterinary practices for better udder health and hygiene during World Milk day 2021. About 212 farmers participated during the programme

Conducted on and off campus training, Skill/Vocational training and also through other linkage programmes, where 200 farmers benefitted

2. Output

   Demonstration of Mastiguard with Clean milk production practices has increased average Milk yield by 6%, 10.17% and 9.01% in 2018-19 , 2019-20 and 2020-21 respectively. The somatic cell count was higher in farmers practice (5.1 lakhs , 4.4 lakhs and 3.8 lakhs during 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 respectively) when compared with demonstration (2.3 lakhs during 2018-19 ,1.2 lakhs during 2019-20 and 1.1 lakhs during 2020-21).

   Incidence of Sub-Clinical Mastitis was lower (10% during 2018-19) or no incidence during 2019-20, and 2020-21 when compared to farmer’s practice

Performance of Demonstration on Milk Yield and incidence of Subclinical mastitis

4. Outcome

   Farmers realized net income of about Rs.21614, Rs.30586 and Rs.22814 (2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 respectively) with the use of Mastiguard technology and by adopting clean milk production practices.

   Hence the farmers realized higher benefit cost ratio of 1.76, 2.46 and 1.97 during 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 when compared to farmers practice with Benefit cost ratio of 1.32, 1.86 and 1.53 during 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 respectively. The higher economic return might be due to change in management practices in udder health and hygiene by dairy farmers.

5. Impact

   Demonstration of using Mastiguard for control of subclinical mastitis with clean milk production practices has increased the milk yield and income of farmers. Also, by adopting this technology and good management practices the somatic cell count was reduced and the incidence of subclinical mastitis was lowered, which reduced the chances of mastitis in dairy cows.

   The cost for treatment of Rs.3500-4500 can be saved by adopting the technology. KVK had continuing its efforts For large scale adoption of management practices in clean milk production with Mastiguard technology through trainings. Method demonstrations and linkage programmes.

1. Situation analysis/Problem statement

   Little millet is an important food crop in some part of the Krishnagiri district. It is cultivated in an area of 50 ha as rainfed condition only. Due to the repeated cultivation of old traditional varieties the yield was low. So, the farmers need some high yielding short duration varieties for higher production. Also, the new short duration varieties of little millet should be resistant to pest and disease. Hence, it could be sown as rainfed conditions. So, a FLD was conducted during 2021-22 on demonstration of Little Millet variety ATL 1 suitable for Krishnagiri district which is of short duration, drought tolerant, pest and disease resistance with high yielding type.

2. Plan, Implement and Support

   During 2021-22, Front line demonstrations were conducted in Indira Nagar village of Bargur block in Krishnagiri district. In this FLD also farmers were supplied with the required seeds, bio-fertilizers and supported with the technical guidance. On campus and off campus training programmes were conducted to impart knowledge and skills on ICM among the farmers. During the training programmes and field visits emphasis was given on ICM technologies.

3. Output

   The Frontline demonstrations results showed that the highest yield was recorded in adoption of Little Millet variety ATL 1 variety (1.49Qtl/ha) followed by farmer’s practice. The net return was highest in Little Millet variety ATL 1 variety demonstrated field was (Rs. 32,030) than compared to the farmers practice (Rs. 14,050). Yield increase percentage was 25.05 in Little Millet variety ATL 1 variety compare to local variety.

4. Outcome

   From the FLD conducted during the 2021-22 it was found that Little Millet variety ATL 1 variety was best suited for the Krishnagiri district. The variety Little Millet variety ATL 1 variety is short duration, short duration, drought tolerant, pest and disease resistance with high yielding type performed. It comes well up in rainfed condition.

5. Impact

   The Little Millet variety ATL 1 variety was well received by the farmers due its short duration nature and high yielding in nature. The farmers from the other blocks of Krishnagiri has also been made aware of the suitability and performance of the variety through various extension means viz., trainings, front line demonstrations and mass media coverage. The Monthly Zonal workshop meetings conducted by the department of agriculture was also used for the spread of the technology. Around 100 ha of area extended under the cultivation of Little Millet variety ATL 1 variety in Krishnagiri district.

In Krishnagiri district, the cattle and Buffalo population as per 19th livestock census is 3.62 and 0.18 lakhs respectively (Crossbred cattle population - 2.62 lakhs) and mainly small & marginal farmers possess more than 50 % of the cattle population. The farming system is of Semi intensive system representing mixed crop–livestock farming. Mostly the farmer’s rear crossbred Jersey and HF animal for higher milk production. Mastitis is a complex disease which causes inflammation of mammary glands results in change in milk and also in glandular tissues. Its affects animal health and quality of milk, also causes high economic loss to farmers. In a dairy cow, if one quarter is affected, there will a loss of 30% of the milk production capacity. In krishnagiri district the dairy farmers were unaware of the latest technologies and clean milk production practices to prevent subclinical mastitis/mastitis.

In Sub-clinical infections, there will be no change and appearance of milk and the udder but the production decreases. In such cases somatic cell count increases which alters the milk composition. Subclinical mastitis is more prevalent than mastitis. Somatic cell count is a useful predictor of intramammary infection and therefore, an important component of milk in assessment of aspects of quality, hygiene and mastitis control.

Plan, Implement and Support: To overcome the problems faced by the farmers and to create awareness among the farmers Front Line demonstrations was taken up to demonstrate the use of Mastiguard (Teat protect Spray and TANUCHEK SCC kit) and Clean milk production practices in comparison with farmers practice at farmers level to prevent and control Subclinical mastitis/ mastitis in Krishnagiri district during 2018-19 and 2019-20. Demonstrations was conducted in 20 locations and 10 locations during 2018-19 and 2019-20 respectively, spread over Kaveripatinam and krishnagiri block of krishnagiri district

1. Technology Demonstrated:

• Post milking Teat protect spray
• Detection of Subclinical Mastitis using TANUHCEK SCC Kit

To overcome the problems faced by the farmers and to create awareness among the farmers Front Line demonstrations was taken up to demonstrate the use of Mastiguard (Teat protect Spray and TANUCHEK SCC kit) and Clean milk production practices in comparison with farmers practice at farmers level to prevent and control Subclinical mastitis/ mastitis in Krishnagiri district during 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21. Demonstrations was conducted in 40 locations at Kaveripatinam and Krishnagiri block during these periods

2. Efforts of Krishi Vigyan Kendra in clean milk production:

• Conducted on and off campus training, skill /Vocational training and also through other linkage programmes namely ATMA trainings, dairy farming trainings conducted by INDSETI (Indian Bank Self Employment Training Institute), Krishnagiri and TVS - Srinivasan Services Trust (TVS-SST,Hosur). About 250 farmers would be benefitted by the trainings
• Radio talk (AIR-FM Rainbow,Dharmapuri) on clean milk production & mastitis management in dairy cows during rainy season
• TV talk(Makkal TV–Malarumbhoomi) was given exclusively on Mastitis management and its control, Ethno veterinary practices for better udder health and hygiene

OUTPUT:

Demonstration of Mastiguard with Clean milk production practices has increased average Milk yield by 6% and 10.17% in 2018-19 and 2019-20. The somatic cell count were higher in farmers practice (5.1 lakhs during 2018-19 and 4.4 lakhs during 2019-20) when compared with demonstration (2.3 lakhs during 2018-19 and 1.2 lakhs during 2019-20). Incidence of Sub-Clinical Mastitis was lower (10% during 2018-19) or no incidence during 2019-20, when compared to farmer’s practice (30 % during 2018-19 & 2019-20)

S.No	Parameters	2018-19		2019-20
		Using Mastiguard	Farmers practice	Using Mastiguard	Farmers practice
1	Average Milk Yield (in Litres)	9.97	9.35	10.31	9.38
2	Average Somatic Cell count (in Lakhs)	2.3	5.1	1.2	4.4
2	Incidence of Sub-Clinical Mastitis (in %)	10	30	Nill	30

OUTCOME:

Farmers earned net income of about Rs.21614 and Rs.30586 (2018-19 & 2019-20) with the use of Mastiguard and adopting clean milk production practices and with their practice they earned Rs. 10178 and Rs.20856 (2018-19 and 2019-20).

Hence the farmers realized higher benefit cost ratio of 1.76 & 2.46 during 2018-19 and 2019-20 when compared to farmers practice with Benefit cost ratio of 1.32 & 1.86 during 2018-19 and 2019-20 respectively. The higher economic return might be due to change in management practices in udder health and hygiene by dairy farmers.

IMPACT:

Demonstration of using Mastiguard for control of subclinical mastitis with clean milk production practices has increased the milk yield and income of farmers. Also, by adopting this technology and good management practices the somatic cell count was reduced and the incidence of subclinical mastitis was lowered, which reduced the chances of mastitis in dairy cows. The farmers felt that using Mastiguard prevent their dairy animal from mastitis occurrence and save them from treatment cost of Rs.3000-4000. The performance and the practices to be followed was spread to farmers through various training programmes by KVK, through linkage programmes (ATMA) and media (Radio and TV Talk) for large scale adoption of technology and practices.

Turmeric is one of the important spice and medicinal crop cultivated in Krishnagiri district in an area of 115 ha. In this district turmeric is cultivated in more area in Uthangarai and Mathur block mostly under coconut garden under irrigated condition. In some area’s turmeric is grown as an intercrop with mango, coconut and arecanut. The popular varieties cultivated in this area are Salem Local, BSR 2 Erode local. It is grown in red loamy soil under garden lands condition. It can be grown in diverse tropical conditions from sea level to 1500 mm above MSL within a temperature range of 20 to 30 degree Celsius. The soil is sandy loam with high content of gravel. Soil is medium in Phosphorous and Potassium where as low in Nitrogen.

The major problem faced by the farmers in this area is the scarcity of water. The average annual rainfall is 830 mm. Adding to this is the problem of distribution of rainfall. Seventy percentage of the rainfall is received during the North East monsoon season (August to December).Deficit in rainfall is received during the South west monsoon season (June – August),the period when the crop vegetative growth is at the maximum. Reduction in growth during this period is found not to be compensated at the later stage, leading to yield reduction. The borewell is the major source of irrigation. In most of the borewells the water is seen at a depth of 1000 feet. Turmeric is cultivated traditionally over the years and hence the farmers are hesitant to diversify to low water requiring crops. Transplanting was done during the first week of July.

Plan, Implement and Support: To overcome this problem of water deficiency KVK intervened to introduce less water requiring short duration Turmeric variety Pragathi. A OFT was conducted in Sulakkarai village of Uthankarai village cluster during 2018-19.Rhizomes were sown in Protrays during June 2018 in a community nursery and the farmers were given training on portray nursery production techniques.Followed by the OFT, demonstrations were conducted in 5 locations during 2019-2020 in Periyakottakulam village of Uthankkarai block.

1. The following Technologies were demonstrated through trainings:

• Cultivation of short duration variety Pragathi
• Protray nursery technique
• Use of bio agents in the prevention of rhizome rot

OUTPUT:

The productivity of turmeric in the variety Pragathi was on par with the other varieties compared. The main advantage of this is the duration of Pragathi was 7 months compared to 10 months in other variety.

OUTCOME:

As a result of the intervention of KVK, viz. Method demonstrations, OFTs, FLDs, and trainings the farmers have got knowledge about the short duration variety to overcome the problem of water deficiency. More farmers have taken to the cultivation of this variety.

IMPACT:

Large scale awareness on this technology in increasing the income of the farmers lead to wider adaptation. Survey conducted by KVK revealed that this technology is being adopted by about 20 % of the farmers from a base of zero adoption in the selected villages. The awareness on the significance of curcumin content of the turmeric was imparted among the farmers. The bargaining capacity of the farmers in marketing improved.

Finger millet is an important staple rainfed crop in Krishnagiri district. It is cultivated in an area of 42,349 ha. It is cultivated in rainfed as well as in irrigated condition. About 80 percent area under rain fed condition. Even though the ragi cultivated is in larger area, the productivity is very low due to the reasons like repeated cultivation of existing old varieties, pest and diseases out break and droughts. Long duration varieties with higher productivity such as Paiyur 1, MR-1 and MR 6 are grown by the farmers. Although sowing of finger millet can be taken up from 2nd week of June to end of August, productivity with long duration varieties goes down with delayed planting especially under rainfed situations.

As an alternative the short duration variety of about 100-110 days duration can give higher productivity and profitability to the farmers in rainfed conditions of Krishnagiri district. In case of delay in monsoon up to 4 weeks, medium duration varieties are needed while in case of further delay, short duration varieties are needed. Also, the short duration varieties of finger millet should be tolerant / resistant to blast disease that could be sown till August under rainfed conditions. Hence a FLD was conducted during 2019- 20 on demonstration of ragi varieties CO15 suitable for Krishnagiri district which is of blast resistant, short duration, drought resistant and high yielder.

Plan, Implement and Support: During 2019 -20, Front line demonstrations were conducted in Sinthagampalli village of Bargur block in Krishnagiri district. In this FLD also farmers were supplied with the required seeds and biocontrol agents and biofertilizers and supported with the technical guidance. On campus and off campus training programmes were conducted to impart knowledge and skills on ICM among the farmers. During training programmes and field visits emphasis was given on ICM technologies.