A Farmer–Scientist Interaction Programme on the development action plan for SCSP farmers was organized on 9 July 2026 at ICAR–JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Suttur, in association with the ICAR–National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology (NIANP), Bengaluru. Addressing the participants, Dr. Arata Bandhu Sahoo, Director, ICAR–NIANP, emphasized that scientific dairy management can significantly improve farmers' income. He explained that dairy animals should be provided with balanced feed and mineral mixtures to achieve timely conception and maintain good reproductive health. He informed the farmers that the institute has developed a new mineral mixture, Fertimin Plus, and stated that feeding 70g per animal per day to cows with reproductive disorders could help improve conception within 60–70 days. He encouraged farmers to adopt scientific dairy management with the goal of achieving one healthy calf per cow every year. As part of the programme, 5 kg of Fertimin Plus was distributed free of cost to the SCSP beneficiaries. Dr. K.S. Rao, Principal Scientist, and Dr. A.R. Rajendranath, Scientist, ICAR–NIANP, also addressed the gathering. The programme was presided over by Dr. B.N. Gnanesh, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR–JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Suttur.

A one-day training programme on "Nut-Based Mixed Cropping Systems" was organized on 20 July 2026 by ICAR–JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Suttur under the SCSP Scheme, in collaboration with the ICAR–Central Institute for Horticultural Research (ICHR), Mysuru. Inaugurating the programme, Mr. Mahadevaswamy stated that arecanut is an important commercial crop providing substantial income to farmers. He emphasized that arecanut cultivation should be planned based on water availability and highlighted the importance of mulching, rainwater harvesting, and efficient water management to conserve soil moisture. He further explained that adopting intercropping and mixed cropping systems in arecanut plantations enhances soil fertility, biodiversity, sustainability, and farm income. Presiding over the programme, Dr. B.N. Gnanesh, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR–JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, observed that although arecanut is one of the most profitable horticultural crops, continuous monocropping may lead to several production challenges. He advised farmers to adopt intercropping and mixed cropping systems to reduce economic risks and ensure a steady source of income. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining soil moisture through pruning and mulching, which help suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and improve soil fertility through the decomposition of organic matter. He encouraged farmers to adopt modern production technologies based on the scientific recommendations of Krishi Vigyan Kendra scientists. Dr. Bharat Kumar, Horticulturist and Head, Agricultural Research Centre, Arasikere, delivered a detailed lecture on scientific arecanut cultivation. He explained the importance of suitable soil and climatic conditions, improved varieties, quality nursery management, selection of mother palms, land preparation, planting techniques, irrigation management, integrated nutrient management, and integrated pest and disease management. He also highlighted the benefits of growing intercrops and mixed crops such as banana, papaya, green gram, black pepper, cardamom, cocoa, coffee, nutmeg, clove, and chickpea in arecanut plantations. These systems promote efficient land use, provide additional income, reduce production risks, and support sustainable farming. Various successful mixed-cropping models were presented to create awareness among the participants.

Workshop on Utilization of Solar Energyin Agriculture was organized on 29 July 2026 at ICAR–JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Suttur, under the aegis of the Agriculture Skill Council of India, Bengaluru South, and the National Skill Foundation of India. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. M.J. Chandregowda, Principal Scientist, ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Bengaluru, who highlighted the various Central and State Government schemes available for the welfare of farmers. He urged farmers to take advantage of these schemes to enhance their income. He also advised them to improve crop productivity through proper planning, prepare cost estimates before cultivation, diversify cropping systems instead of depending on a single crop, and integrate enterprises such as dairy, poultry, sericulture, and fisheries for sustainable income generation. The Chief Guest, Shri M. Purushottam Gowda, informed the participants that training programmes on the use of solar energy in agriculture are being conducted across the State. He explained that farmers can install solar power systems for agricultural operations and generate additional income by supplying surplus electricity produced from solar plants established on barren lands. Presiding over the programme, Dr. B.N. Gnanesh, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR–JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, stated that the workshop was organized to promote the adoption of solar energy and make farmers self-reliant in meeting their electricity requirements. Referring to the below-normal rainfall during the year, he advised farmers to plan suitable alternative cropping systems. He recommended the cultivation of green manure and leguminous crops such as dhaincha to improve soil fertility and encouraged farmers to adopt allied enterprises including dairy, fisheries, poultry, and sericulture as additional sources of income.

As part of the birth anniversary celebrations of the Father of Horticulture, Dr. M. H. Marigowda, the National Horticulture Day and Butternut Field Festival were organized on Friday, 7 August 2026, at the premises of ICAR-JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Suttur, in collaboration with ICAR-IIHR Central Horticultural Experimental Station, Chettahalli; Department of Horticulture, Mysuru; and the Institute of Agricultural Technologists (IAT), Mysuru. Speaking after inaugurating the programme, retired Joint Director of Agriculture Dr. Vishakanta said that butternut has gained considerable market demand in recent years and has emerged as a promising horticultural crop with good income potential for farmers. He emphasized the importance of understanding market demand, selecting suitable varieties, adopting scientific cultivation practices and using quality planting material. He noted that scientific crop management is essential for achieving higher productivity and stable farm income. Sri Chandru, Assistant Director of Horticulture, Nanjangud, provided information on various schemes and subsidies offered by the Department of Horticulture, including nursery development, establishment of horticultural plantations, irrigation facilities and other support programmes. He urged farmers to make effective use of the schemes and benefits available through the department. Sri Shivashankarappa, Director of Horticulture, JSS Mahavidyapeetha, highlighted the life and achievements of the Father of Horticulture, Dr. M. H. Marigowda, and his immense contribution to the development of horticulture in Karnataka. Sharing his experiences of working with Dr. Marigowda, he stated that his vision and efforts played a significant role in popularizing several commercial horticultural crops across the state. Presiding over the programme, Dr. B. N. Gyanesh, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-JSS KVK, Suttur, said that the primary objective of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra is to disseminate scientific knowledge and technologies related to emerging horticultural crops among farmers. He stated that butternut has good potential to emerge as a commercially important crop in the future. He advised farmers to use quality planting material and adopt integrated crop management practices for higher productivity and profitability. He also encouraged farmers to utilize the technical guidance, training and other services provided by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra. During the technical session, Dr. Muralidhar, Scientist, ICAR-IIHR, Chettahalli, delivered a detailed presentation on the history of butternut and the role of Dr. M. H. Marigowda in popularizing the crop in Karnataka. He covered various butternut varieties, nutritional importance, value addition, integrated nutrient management, irrigation management, integrated pest and disease management, post-harvest management, and domestic and export market opportunities. Dr. Nayan Deepak provided practical information on butternut plant production, grafting techniques, quality nursery management and production of standard planting material. He also highlighted opportunities for farmers and young entrepreneurs to generate additional income through nursery enterprises. The programme was attended by Dr. Ravindra, retired Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vishwanath, Dr. G. M. Vinay, Dr. Prasad, Dr. Deepak, Dr. Rakshit, Smt. Divya, Sri Shamraj, staff of ICAR-JSS KVK, officials of the Department of Horticulture, members of the Institute of Agricultural Technologists, and more than 120 farmers from Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar and Hassan districts. The participants benefited from the technical sessions and practical information provided during the programme.