Workshop on Chilli Production Technologies Organised at ICAR-KVK, Ballari, Karnataka

9 October 2026, Karnataka

ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ballari, Karnataka, in collaboration with Department of Horticulture and Dhanuka Agritech Ltd, organised one-day workshop on "Chilli Production Technologies” today. The program brought together farmers, scientists and officials from various line departments to discuss on Chilli production technologies, concerns and identify suitable, location-specific solutions. The program aimed to strengthen farmers’ understanding of modern cultivation methods, pest and disease management, and resource efficient practices.

In his inaugural address, Dr M. Prabhakar, Director, ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Bengaluru, emphasized the crucial role of KVKs in enhancing crop productivity and increasing farm income by empowering farmers with improved practices and technologies. He urged the farmers to consult KVK scientists for expert guidance on improving crop production and adopting better agricultural practices.

The program was graced by Dr N.K. Krishna Kumar, former DDG (Horticulture), said that Indian dried chilli faces growing quality concerns in the export market due to excessive pesticide residues. He highlighted that a number of farmers have shifted to organic chilli cultivation and are now earning substantially higher incomes. He urged the farmers to take up chilli seed production, pursue value addition opportunities, and shift towards organic chilli cultivation to earn higher profits.

Dr A.R. Kurubar, Director, Extension, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, advised the farmers to avoid excessive use of chemical pesticides and grow superior-quality chilli by adopting scientific crop production methods.

The farmers were briefed on improved chilli crop production practices and various departmental schemes during the technical sessions. During the interactive segment, farmers raised practical challenges they face in chilli production, such as pest outbreaks, nutrient deficiencies, irrigation constraints, and market fluctuations. Subject matter specialists provided field specific solutions, clarified doubts, and recommended best practices tailored to local conditions.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone XI, Bengaluru)