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COMPENDIUM, IEEC-2023   ( ISBN : 978-81-967860-4-5 )
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Theme 2: Recent Trends in Agriculture and Resource Management

Front Line Demonstration: Organic Farming Practice in Tomato Cultivation

Sathya,S., N.Akila and K.Velmurugan

ICAR- Krishi Vigyan Kendra, VC&RI Campus, Namakkal 637 002, TANUVAS, Tamil Nadu
sathyassac@gmail.com

Abstract

In Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu, tomato is the major vegetable crops and cultivating to extent of 1000 ha in Kharif season. Over application of inorganic fertilizer alone leads to decline in soil health which affects crop production vulnerably. To motivate the farmers to adopt organic farming practice, front line demonstrations was conducted in farmer’s field under kharif season. Initial farmers knowledge level on organic farming was surveyed and then hands on experience were given during repeated trainings, method demonstration, advisory services and frequents field visits. Farmers motivated to adopt composting and vermicomposting technologies by using biodegradable wastes obtained from their farms and other biocontrol agents preparation at their farm holding. Then FLD trails were conducted at selected farmers field. Tomato variety sivam was taken as test crop and applied all organic farming practices for tomato cultivation as per the guidelines given by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. From the demo plot, tomato yield was recorded high (245.56 q/ha) and yield increase was 14.59% compared to farmers practice. Periodically soil samples collected and analyzed its properties. A positive sign in the built up of nutrients was noticed in demo plot. Also noticed earthworms load in the post harvest soil of tomato. Also results revealed that Virus infestation at fruiting could not be controlled by foliar spraying with bio agents at initial stage. To achieve the potential yield in organic farming practice, farmer’s interest and patience to be needed for 3- 4 years for complete conversion of field into organic farming.

IEEC-2023 at RARI (SKNAU, Jobner), Jaipur, Rajasthan organised by Society of Extension Education, Agra, India