Resource Training on Soil Nutrient, Pest & Disease Management in Coffee

Resource training on soil nutrient, pest and disease management in coffee was organized at MSSRF- Community Agrobiodiversity Center, Wayanad in collaboration with Regional Coffee Research Station, Chundale on 10^th March, 2021. A total of 42 farmers from Padichira village participated in this event. The training as intended to enhance the capability of the farmer beneficiaries to adopt improved cultivation practices for enhancing soil health and productivity in coffee. Dr. Shakeela formally welcomed all the dignitaries and the participants, and the programme was inaugurated by Dr. K. Chandrappa, Deputy Director (Research), Regional Coffee Research Station, Chundale. He highlighted the problems faced by the coffee farmers in Wayanad due to the changes in climate pattern and the sudden incidence of pest and diseases. The programme was felicitated by Ms. Anu George, Agricultural Officer, Pulpally. The inauguration ceremony was adjourned with the vote of thanks by Mr. Sanil, Young Professional, DBT-Biotech-KISAN Hub. The inaugural function was followed by a technical session handled by Ms. Tintumol K, Regional Coffee Research Station, Chundale on the topic soil nutrient, pest and disease management in coffee.

 During the deliberation she explained about the importance of soil testing and application of manures and fertilizers on the basis of soil testing. She gave details about the major pest and diseases of coffee in Wayanad district and its remedies. Coffee training, pruning and after cultivation practices were the other topics handled during the session.As a part of our training programme on soil nutrient, pest and disease management in coffee we visited Regional Coffee Research Station, Chundale. First we went to the post-harvest processing unit of coffee where the wet method is actually done. Devendran V (Assistant Extension Officer) Regional Coffee Research Station, Chundale, explained about the different steps in wet method which includes pulping and removal of mucilage from coffee beans. He also explained about the fermentation of coffee by wet method. After that we visited the biocontrol lab where we got the opportunity to observe rearing of coffee mealy bug parasitoid Leptomastrix dactylopii. Later he showed us the grafting method in coffee and explained about its management. We also visited the coffee museum and saw various types of coffee beans. The visit was ended with a delicious cup of coffee provided by Regional Coffee Research Station. The visit cum exposure was targeted to enhance the farmer’s knowledge on improved technologies in coffee cultivation.