The KVK Ernakulam commenced a Farmer Field School (FFS) on Seed Production of tuber crops and spices at the vocational training center of Chavara special school, Koonammavu on 14th March, 2023. The farmer field school is a programme of KVK where technology is demonstrated in the field over the whole duration of the crop such that the participants learn while doing all aspects of the technology over different seasons. Training would be given to the participants in various interventions needed at each stage of plant growth. The programme is expected to conclude in August 2023 along with crop harvest. The Krishi group registered by the parent-teacher association of the Chavara public school is the farming partner. The programme is being implemented in the 1.5 acre fallow land owned by the vocational training centre. Sree Padma elephant foot yam of ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram Ginger varada and Turmeric Pragati and Pratibha of Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikkode were planted.
Various seed production, harvest, seed treatment, packing, branding and marketing technologies would be imparted to the participants by KVK. Manager of the school Sr. Merrin, Prarthana foundation administrative officer Mr.Jayakrishnan, Social work coordinator of Prarthana foundation Shri Josin John, Principal Sr.Jaya, Asst Agri Officer Shri Shinu Chenkal, students and parents participated in the inaugural programme. Shri Shoji Joy ERdison, Subject Matter (Horticulture) is the implementing officer.
The objective of KVK is to develop Satellite seed production centers producing and supplying quality seeds of varieties developed by ICAR research organizations while attracting youngsters to farming.
