ICAR-NAARM organized 5 days Skill Development training programme on Efficient use of Bio-fertilizer and Bio-pesticidesfor the farmers under SC- Sub Plan programme at ICAR-Krishi Vignan Kendra, Sikkal, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu from 21-25 th April 2025. A total of 40 participants including 15 women participants from Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu were participated in the programme. Dr. Gopal Lal, Joint Director, ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad has participated in the inaugural session as the Chief Guest and addressed the trainees and emphasized the importance of using bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides for plants. He explained that reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers is crucial, as these chemicals have harmful effects on human health, livestock, and soil. He highlighted the significant role of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides in sustainable agriculture and the benefits of using these natural alternatives to synthetic chemicals. He pointed out how bio-fertilizers improve soil health and nutrient availability, while bio-pesticides offer effective pest control with minimal environmental impact, promoting the advantages of organic alternatives in farming. During the event, the Chief Guest released a training manual on the use of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides. This manual serves as a selfexplanatory guide for the efficient use of these bio-based products. Dr. P. Padmavathi, Director Extension Education, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, addressed the farmers about the importance of bio-pesticides, which are formulations made from naturally occurring substances that control pests through non-toxic mechanisms in an eco-friendly manner. She highlighted the significance of organic and sustainable farming, offering thoughtful insights on the bio-fertilizers. Dr. M. Balakrishnan, Principal Scientist & Chairman SCSP, ICAR–NAARM, Hyderabad, addressed the farmers about the importance and use of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides in agriculture. He emphasized that using bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides is crucial for obtaining high-quality produce and improving soil health. He highlighted their role in promoting healthy crops and soil enrichment, while also reducing dependency on chemical inputs. Further, advised to adopting integrated nutrient management practices, which include the use of vermicompost, neem cake, and bio-inoculants. As part of the program, trainees also took an exposure visit to the Bio-Organic Phosphate (BOP) fertilizer production unit in Needamangalam and the Bio-Pesticide Production Unit in Mannargudi. They learned about the efficient use of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides in their fields to improve yield. In the valedictory session, as part of the program, certificates were distributed to the trainees along with power sprayers to support the efficient use of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides, helping them increase the quality of their yield. Earlier, A. GopalaKannan senior Scientist & Head, KVK, Sikkal delivered the welcome address. The meeting ended with the vote of thanks by Dr. Chandrasekar, SMS(Entomology), KVK Sikkal. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Chandrasekar, SMS (Entomology), KVK Sikkal, Nagapattinam, TN.
https://naarm.org.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/News-items-for-Bio-fertilizers.pdf
