Report on Farmers Training conducted at Mullurkkara on 24-02-2010

Introduction

Trichur district is situated in the central part of , spanning an area of about 3,032 sq km. The district is home to over 10 per cent of Kerala’s population, which is a mix of traditionally rich and the neo-rich. Trichur is known as the cultural capital of Kerala. Mullurkkara lies in Taluk of Trichur district.

Plate 1. Map of Trichur district

Particulars Details Area 3,032 Sq.Kms Population 29,74,232 Nos. Males 14,22,052 Nos. Females 15,52,180 Nos. Sex ratio : Females/1000 1,092 Density of Population 981 Per Capita Income (in Rs) 21,362 Literacy rate 92.27%; Male 95.11%; Female 89.71% Coastal line in km. 54 Water bodied area in ha. 5,573 Forest area in ha. 103619

Table.1. Demographic and Geographic Particulars of Trichur District

Mullurkkara lies towards 10° 43' 60 N Latitude and 76° 16' 0 E Longitude, in the geographical map and has a geographical area of 44.2 Square Kilometres. It is a typical agrarian area, depending upon the legendary Nila River for its irrigation requirements.

Plate 2. Geographical Map of Mullurkkara Village

The agrarian economy of Mullurkkara is featured by the predominance of cultivation of paddy, coconut, banana and vegetables. Paddy is cultivated in the first season ( Virippu or autumn paddy) and the second season ( Mundakan or winter paddy). In summer rice fallows, an additional crop of gingelly is also cultivated in the area. The Chengalikodan variety, an exquisite table purpose nendran banana variety unique for its taste and offered at temple, is cultivated extensively in this area.

The cultivation of crops are mostly done in the traditional manner and the awareness of the farmers regarding the marketing and value addition of the agricultural produce which could be adopted at farm level is very less. It was against this background that the Agricultural Market Intelligence Centre (NAIP) of Kerala Agricultural University, attached to the Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture organized a training programme jointly with the Krishi Bhavan, and Grama Panchayath, Mullurkkara. The farmers falling under Mullurkara, and Attur Panchayaths attended the programme. The training programme was held on 24-02- 2010 at the Panchayath Kalyana Mandapam, Mullurkara.

Plate 3. Smt. Raji. S , Agricultural Officer, Mullurkkara welcoming the gathering

The training formally started with Smt. Raji.S, Agricultural Officer, Mullurkkara Krishi Bhavan proposing the welcome address.

Plate 4.Presidential Address by Sri.Raghu, President, Mullurkkara Grama Panchayath

The programme was presided over by Sri.Raghu, President, Mullurkkara Grama Panchayath. In his presidential address, Sri.Raghu emphasized on the importance of enhancing agricultural production for speedy progress of our nation. He opined that in the present era, the problems of farming community could be solved by adopting a group approach and giving due importance to the marketing of farm produce.

Plate 5. Inaugural address by Sri. A. Padmanabhan, President, Wadakkanchery Block

The function was officially inaugurated by Sri. A. Padmanabhan, President, Wadakkanchery Block Panchayath. In his inaugural address, Sri. A.Padmanabhan stressed the need for bringing quality products to the market in time. He advised the farmers to effectively utilize the financial assistance being provided by Government for agriculture under the food security mission. The function was felicitated by Smt. Lajitha Chandrasekharan, Chairperson, Development Standing Committee.

Plate 6. Smt.Lajitha Chandrasekharan, felicitating the function.

Dr. K. Satheesh Babu, Professor & CCPI of the Agricultural Market Intelligence Centre, National Agricultural Innovation Project, Kerala Agricultural University handled a class on ““The Structural Weaknesses and Strategic Solutions for Kerala’s Agriculture: the Role of Agricultural Market Intelligence”.

Plate 7. Dr.K.Satheesh Babu, Professor & CCPI, handling first session Dr.K.Jesy Thomas, Professor & Head, Department of Agricultural Economics & Co- PI of the project handled a session on “Geographical Indications as a marketing tool” to create an awareness among the banana farmers about registering the Chengalikodan variety of banana as a Geographical Indication.

Plate 8. Dr.K.Jesy Thomas, Co-PI handling the second session

Plate 9. A view of the attentive participants Sri. George. N.L, Head-Sales and Marketing, IFFCO Kisan Sanchar Ltd explained the importance of getting Green Card Mobile connections and demonstrated how to access the recorded voice messages from the Green Card Mobile connection.

Plate 10. Sri. George. N.L, Head-Sales & Marketing, IKSL, explaining about Green Card Mobile Connections

Plate 11. Participant’s feed back

The technical session concluded with Dr.K. Jesy Thomas, Professor and Head, Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University proposing the vote of thanks.

Plate 12. Dr. K. Jesy Thomas Proposing the Vote of Thanks

Intersession tea and refreshments were provided to all participants during the training programme and a lunch at the end of the programme.

In all, 54 farmers attended the training programme.