As part of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan programme, a village-level awareness and interaction programme was conducted at Periya Village in Pullur–Periya Grama Panchayat. The programme was attended by Panchayat representatives, officials of VFPCK-SKS, local farmers, and other stakeholders. Discussions were held with Shri Ramakrishnan (Panchayat Member), Smt. Divya (Secretary), representatives of VFPCK, and progressive farmers of the village.

The village comprises approximately 400 households, of which around 20% are farming households. Agriculture is an important livelihood activity in the area. The major crops cultivated include coconut, arecanut, rubber, paddy, banana, and vegetables.

During the interaction, it was observed that fertilizer application in the village is generally low, mainly due to the increasing cost of fertilizers and difficulties in procuring certain fertilizers, particularly potash. Farmers also reported high labour costs and labour scarcity as major constraints affecting farm management practices.

The team conducted an awareness session on the importance of balanced nutrient management and explained the role of essential nutrients in crop growth. Farmers were advised to undertake soil testing at least once in three years and to apply fertilizers based on soil test recommendations. The importance of maintaining proper soil pH and adopting corrective measures such as liming in acidic soils was also discussed.

The recommendations were explained to the farmers, including soil-test-based nutrient management, split application of fertilizers, use of organic manures and green manures, mulching, moisture conservation, integration of livestock, recycling of biomass, and use of beneficial biofertilizers. Recommended nutrient requirements for coconut, arecanut, and cocoa and strategies to reduce chemical fertilizer use while maintaining productivity were also discussed.

The programme emphasized the need for balanced fertilizer application to improve soil health, enhance crop productivity, reduce production costs, and ensure sustainable farming. Farmers actively participated in the discussion and expressed interest in adopting the recommended nutrient management practices.

The visit concluded with an interaction session where farmers shared their concerns regarding labour shortages, rising input costs, and the need for continued technical support from ICAR–CPCRI.,The programme was handled by Dr K.Ponnusamy, Dr Shilpa Selvan and technical staff.