ICAR-SBI, Coimbatore Organises Awareness Campaign on Science-Based Nutrient and Input Management for Sugarcane Farmers in Tamil Nadu

20 May 2026, Coimbatore

ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore in collaboration with Bannari Amman Sugars Limited, organised an awareness campaign on “Adopting Science-Based Nutrient and Input Management” for sugarcane farmers at Alathukombai in Erode district under the Institute’s “Mera Gaon, Mera Gaurav” (MGMG – My Village, My Pride) initiative.

During the programme, the objectives of the campaign were highlighted, along with the importance of balanced nutrient management in sustainable sugarcane cultivation. It was noted that Tamil Nadu ranks 13th among Indian states in fertilizer consumption, while Erode district stands fifth among the fertilizer-consuming districts in the state. Farmers were encouraged to adopt alternative nutrient sources such as bio-fertilizers, vermicompost, and farmyard manure to improve nutrient-use efficiency and enhance soil health.

Technical sessions focused on the adverse effects of imbalanced application of NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) fertilizers on soil health and sugarcane productivity. A live demonstration on the preparation of “Jeevamrutham,” a traditional organic bio-fertilizer and microbial growth enhancer prepared using cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour, soil, and water, was also conducted.

The programme also highlighted the benefits of “Potassium Derived from Molasses (PDM),” a sugar industry by-product containing about 14.5 per cent potash, as a sustainable and indigenous nutrient source. Farmers were informed about the availability of a wide range of bio-fertilizers, including nitrogen fixers and phosphate solubilizers, along with organic nutrient sources such as Phosphate Rich Organic Manure (PROM) and Fermented Organic Manure (FOM).

A social media advisory on “Using Natural Inputs in Sugarcane Farming,” prepared by ICAR-SBI, was released during the programme and disseminated through WhatsApp to more than 14,000 sugarcane farmers across the state.

During the farmer-scientist interaction session, experts addressed farmers’ queries related to sugarcane cultivation, harvesting practices, and the availability of bio-inputs at subsidized rates. An exhibition showcasing natural inputs suitable for sugarcane cultivation was also organised at the venue. More than 85 farmers and input dealers participated in the campaign.

(Source: ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore)