ICAR-CIBA, Chennai in collaboration with Shri A.M.M. Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre (MCRC), Chennai has conducted a farmer-scientist interaction meet on the application of CIBA-PlanktonPlus in paddy cultivation on 9th July 2024 at Madambakkam village and MCRC field center, Vadakadambadi, Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu. More than 60 paddy farmers from Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu districts were participated in the meeting. CIBA-PlanktonPlus is a value-added product developed from fish waste using a novel technology and the product has immense potential in enhancing agriculture production, especially paddy. ICAR-CIBA through joint research collaboration with MCRC standardized the application of PlanktonPlus in paddy cultivation by multilocation trials in Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu districts, Tamil Nadu. During the cultivation as well as harvest periods of paddy, CIBA and MCRC scientists were continuously monitored and interacted with farmers for standardization of application of PlanktonPlus in paddy cultivation.
During the interaction meeting on 9th July 2024, CIBA scientists detailed the protocol for applying PlanktonPlus in paddy and other horticultural crops, such as lady’s finger, brinjal, potato, and cauliflower. Farmers shared their positive experiences using PlanktonPlus, reporting increased tillers, grain weight, and yield, along with a notable absence of pest infestations in treated fields. The farmers expressed their satisfaction and intention to continue using PlanktonPlus in both paddy and horticultural crops. MCRC scientists emphasized the importance of organic paddy cultivation using products like PlanktonPlus to reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. CIBA distributed PlanktonPlus to farmers for applying in the paddy fields. Dr. P. Mahalakshmi, Principal Scientist, and Dr. K.P. Sandeep, Scientist at ICAR-CIBA, coordinated the program.
