Training on Agro-Technological Practices for Sustainable Black Pepper Production

13^th February 2025, Karnataka

A farmer's training programme on ‘Agro-Technological Practices for Sustainable Black Pepper Production” was organized today at ICAR- Indian Institute of Spices Research Regional Station, Appangala, Kodagu District, Karnataka. The training was part of the MIDH programme sponsored by the Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development, Kozhikode.

The program was inaugurated by Dr V. Srinivasan, Head of the Division of Crop Production & PHT at ICAR-IISR, Kozhikode. He emphasized Karnataka's significant contribution to the country's total black pepper production and encouraged farmers to adopt advanced varieties and technologies for better yield. Dr Srinivasan also shared insights into the activities of the Regional Station in spice research and praised the efforts of black pepper farmers, acknowledging their role in positioning Karnataka as the leading producer of black pepper in India.

The experts briefed about the activities implemented by ICAR-IISR, Kozhikode including largescale planting materials production and the aim of the farmer's training programme in his introductory remarks. 

An exhibition showcasing the technologies developed by ICAR-IISR was arranged. In the exhibition dry produce, fresh spikes of black pepper, and dry produce of cardamom released varieties, local cultivars, and promising lines were displayed along with rhizomes of ginger released varieties; propagation techniques in spices; several commercialized technologies viz, micronutrients, biocapsules.

The training programme emphasized recent advances in improved varieties, production, and plant protection technologies of black pepper. 

Lectures on Pest and disease management in black pepper; scientific cultivation practices in black pepper; Nursery techniques for quality planting material production and Varietal diversity of black pepper. Farmers also shared their experiences on black pepper cultivation were delivered during the programme. They were provided with a training kit consisting of a leaflet and a monthly operation schedule for black pepper cultivation practices.

More than 80 farmers from different districts of Karnataka and Kerala attended the training programme.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode)