The Environment-Friendly Integrated Farming and Paddy Harvest Field day was successfully held on Friday, 10.04.2026 at 10.00 a.m. at the Mannar District Agriculture Training Centre situated in Uyilankulam, under the Chairwomanship of the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Mrs. P. Ramanendran. The event highlighted paddy harvesting activities carried out by integrating traditional farming practices with modern and sustainable agricultural technologies.
The event was graced by the District Secretary of Mannar District, Mr. K. Kanageswaran, as the Chief Guest, the Secretary to the Northern Provincial Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. S. Sivasri, as the Special Guest, and the Provincial Director of Agriculture, Northern Province, Mrs. S. Senthilkumaran, as the Guest of Honour. Following the ceremonial lighting of the traditional oil lamp, the paddy harvesting activities were inaugurated in accordance with traditional customs by the distinguished guests.
Subsequently, exhibitions and demonstrations were conducted at the Agriculture Training Centre on home gardening, vegetable cultivation, tuber crop cultivation, Red onion true seed production, compost preparation, vermicompost production, liquid organic fertilizers, natural pest repellents, nursery bed preparation, and agricultural machinery. Technical explanations and advisory services related to these activities were provided by Agricultural Instructors and Technical Assistants.
The event was attended by officers of the Department of Agriculture, farmers, schoolteachers, students, and members of the public.
Special Exhibitions and Demonstrations Organized at the Field day.
1. Paddy Field Demonstrations
- Parachute method of sowing.
- Mechanical paddy transplanting.
- Broadcasting method of sowing.
- Demonstration on yield comparisons among different sowing methods.
- Demonstration plot.
2. Red onion True Seed Production
- Comprehensive explanation from sowing to harvesting.
3. Home Gardening
- Azolla production.
- Demonstrations on vermicompost and vermiwash production.
- Preparation and application of organic liquid fertilizers and natural pest repellents.
- Explanation on integrated farm management practices.
4. Maize, Brinjal, and Okra Cultivation
- Demonstration on the use of yellow insect traps.
- Water management practices, including mulching during drought conditions.
- Weed control through straw mulching.
5. Bitter Gourd and Snake Gourd Cultivation
- Mechanical pest control methods.
- Covering fruits with polythene bags to control fruit fly infestation.
- Use of protein traps.
- Use of yellow sticky traps.
- Demonstration on the impact of “Spun net” in cucurbit crops.
6. Demonstration on Finger Millet Cultivation.
- Technical explanation on cultivation practices.
7. Nursery Bed Technologies
- Exhibition and explanation of various nursery bed preparation techniques.
8. Agricultural Machinery Exhibition
- Display of agricultural machinery and provision of technical explanations regarding their usage.
The Field Day was well organized by the Farm Manager, Mr. S.Thayalaseelan, together with the other officers of the District. Agriculture Training Centre.
