Enhancing farmers income through farmer field school and Indigenous technical knowledge in groundnut

Sankar | Akila

Farmers | extension activities

Vol: 3; Iss: 2;  Feb-17 | ISSN: 2454-5422

This study was carried out in the villages of Nedunkulam and kalaiyar kovil block of Sivagangai district in Tamil Nadu during Rabi season in 2014-2015 for control of insect-pest in groundnut crop. Farmers commonly use the indiscriminate pesticides recommended by the pesticide-traders against chewing and sucking type of insect pests and its leads to increase the farm expenditure and accumulation of residues in the stored products and also harms to human health. Demonstration on Indigenous Technical Knowledge through FFS approach with different extension activities (Mass Medias) during 2013-14 in Rabi season and it was effective tool for transfer technology with analysis of AESA. FFS framers used many techniques for the preparation ITKs through IPM for control insect-pest from time to time. The bio products namely aged cow urine- 5 lit+ Pods of Datura [Datura sirumarium]- 1 kg + Seeds of Arali [Nerium oleander] -1 kg + Tobacco waste- 1 kg + Lime [diluted calcium Carbonate] 250 g was found to be very effective against the insect pests of groundnut crop . Such type of FFS with ITK was essential because these are the innovative eco-friendly sprays, which are economically viable for small farmer’s .The choice of indigenous bioinsecticides has been found to be cost effective and sustainable as well. Further, this will also help in reducing the load of insecticide on the ecosystem.