ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute (ICAR-SBI), in collaboration with Bannari Amman Sugars Limited, organized an awareness campaign on “Adopting Science-Based Nutrient and Input Management” on May 20, 2026 at Alathukombai in Erode district. Conducted under the Institute’s “Mera Gaon, Mera Gaurav” (MGMG) initiative, the event drew over 85 farmers and input dealers.

Dr. D. Puthira Prathap, Principal Scientist & Team Leader of MGMG, ICAR-SBI, noted that Tamil Nadu ranks 13th among Indian states in fertilizer consumption, with Erode district standing fifth within the State. Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s leadership in bio-fertilizer usage, he urged farmers to adopt alternative sources like bio-fertilizers, vermicompost, and farmyard manure to enhance soil health. Dr. S. Anusha, Scientist, ICAR-SBI, warned that imbalanced NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) application adversely affects soil health and sugarcane productivity, followed by a live demonstration on preparing “Jeevamrutham,” a traditional organic bio-fertilizer.

Shri K. P. Kuppusamy, Deputy General Manager, Bannari Amman Sugars Ltd., highlighted the benefits of Potassium Derived from Molasses (PDM), a sustainable indigenous alternative containing 14.5% potash. Shri A. Sivakumar, Additional Manager, Madras Fertilizers Ltd., briefed farmers on available bio-fertilizers, including nitrogen fixers, phosphate solubilizers, Phosphate Rich Organic Manure (PROM) and Fermented Organic Manure (FOM).

A social media advisory on “Using Natural Inputs in Sugarcane Farming” was released by Shri S. Shanmugasundaram, Vice-President, Bannari Amman Sugars, and received by progressive farmer Smt. Lingeshwari. It was transmitted via WhatsApp to over 14,000 farmers. The event featured a farmer-scientist interaction, an exhibition of natural inputs, a quiz competition, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. S. Mohan, Assistant General Manager, Bannari Amman Sugars Ltd.

***

SS/RJ

(Release ID: 2265074) Visitor Counter : 20