Integrated Pest Management and Integrated Nutrient Management in Paddy and Sugarcane and Judicious use of Fertilizers

Training Programme on Integrated Pest Management and Integrated Nutrient Management in Paddy and Sugarcane and Judicious Use of Fertilizers.

A one-day training programme on “Integrated Pest Management and Integrated Nutrient Management in Paddy and Sugarcane and Judicious Use of Fertilizers” was organized by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), FIAC – Kariamanickam, Puducherry, at the AuroKrishi Training Centre, Matrikunj, Poothurai, on 5th September 2026.

The programme aimed to enhance farmers’ knowledge and practical skills in adopting integrated approaches to pest, disease and nutrient management in paddy and sugarcane. The training focused on the importance of balanced crop nutrition, timely identification and management of pests and diseases, judicious use of fertilizers and the adoption of environmentally sustainable farming practices. Participants were also sensitized to the importance of soil health, efficient nutrient utilization, preventive pest management and the appropriate use of bio-inputs and other integrated crop-management practices.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Shri. Bakthavachalam, Block Technology Manager, FIAC – Kariamanickam, Puducherry who welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of adopting Organic and sustainable approaches to crop production.

Project Director, AuroKrishi, gave a brief introduction to the vision and mission of AuroKrishi in promoting Natural and Conscious Farming.

The technical sessions were conducted by Shri Baburam, Chief Advisor, AuroKrishi, who explained the principles and practical application of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) in paddy and sugarcane. He elaborated on the identification of major pests and diseases, preventive measures, cultural practices, biological control methods, mechanical and physical management techniques.

Shri Raja Ganesh, Training Coordinator, conducted an informative technical session on crop-management strategies for paddy and sugarcane. The session focused on Integrated Nutrient Management, highlighting the importance of maintaining soil fertility through the balanced use of organic manures, bio-inputs and chemical fertilizers. Farmers were guided on the importance of soil testing, crop-specific nutrient requirements, proper timing and method of fertilizer application and avoiding excessive or indiscriminate fertilizer use. The benefits of improving nutrient-use efficiency and reducing input wastage were also discussed.

Shri Alex, Farm Manager and Shri Manimaran, Farm Coordinator, conducted practical demonstrations related to bio-input preparation and sustainable crop-management practices. Participants were provided with practical guidance on the preparation and appropriate use of bio-inputs, along with methods for integrating them into crop production systems. The resource persons also interacted with the farmers clarified their doubts and provided practical solutions to field-level challenges.

The training emphasized that Integrated Pest Management and Integrated Nutrient Management are essential components of profitable and sustainable agriculture. The adoption of these practices can help farmers reduce unnecessary expenditure on chemical inputs, improve nutrient-use efficiency, manage pests and diseases effectively, protect beneficial organisms, enhance soil health and maintain long-term crop productivity.

The programme concluded with an interactive discussion and feedback session, during which participants shared their farming experiences and discussed practical strategies for implementing IPM, INM and judicious fertilizer-use practices in paddy and sugarcane cultivation. The programme provided farmers with practical approaches to adopt more economically viable, environmentally responsible and sustainable farming practices.