Union Agriculture Minister Visits Coconut-based Cropping System in Mysuru

29 August 2025, Mysuru

The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, visited the field of progressive farmer Sri Lakshmaiyya Sriramu at Varuna, Mysuru, today. The visit was organized by ICAR-JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mysuru, and was also attended by the Member of Parliament from Mysuru, Shri Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar.

During the visit, the Minister interacted with the farmer on ginger intercropping within coconut plantations. Observing the incidence of leaf spot disease in ginger, he enquired about its management. The farmer informed that timely interventions and scientific guidance from KVK experts had significantly reduced the disease impact.

The Minister also visited the Nanjangud Rasabale, a unique banana variety with Geographical Indication (GI) status, identified as the One District One Product crop of Mysuru district. He discussed the challenges in its cultivation, particularly the management of Panama wilt disease. ICAR scientists briefed him on the available management technologies. The Minister directed development officials to promote schemes supporting Nanjangud Rasabale and emphasized the need for ICAR institutes to develop a sustainable package for managing soil-borne fungal infections affecting the crop.

In addition, the Minister inspected papaya fields, appreciated the farmer’s good yields, and discussed interventions provided by KVK scientists to optimize production costs. He encouraged farmers to adopt diversified, multilayered cropping systems, highlighting their role in enhancing incomes, improving resilience, and conserving local crop heritage.

Shri Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar lauded the unique features of Nanjangud Rasabale, including its taste, keeping quality, nutrition, and flavour, and felicitated the Union Minister while expressing his gratitude for the visit.

Progressive farmer Sri Lakshmaiyya Sriramu currently cultivates more than 15 horticultural crops including ginger, papaya, banana, sapota, coconut, and mango on his four-acre farm with technical support from KVK Mysuru.

The event was attended by the District Commissioner, officials from agriculture and allied departments, and over 50 farmers from the region, making it a significant platform for farmer–scientist–policy interaction.

(Source: ICAR JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mysuru)