Training programme on “Production Technologies in rabi Sunflower” and “Field day on rabi Sunflower” by Agricultural Research Station, Tornala on 07-03-2025

A Training programme on “Production technologies of rabi sunflower along with “Field day on rabi Sunflower” was organized at Mantoor village on 07-03-2025 by Agricultural Research Station, Tornala. In this programme, Dr. S. Sridevi, Principal Scientist and Head, ARS, Tornala enlightened on the alternate crops to rice during rabi season and their economic viability and importance of oilseeds in crop diversification. She further explained about characteristics of sunflower hybrid seed (Tillhan tech SUN H-1) such as duration 90-95 days, with yield potential of 9-11q/ac with oil content of 39-40%. Dr. P. S. Srinivas, Principal Scientist, ICAR-IIOR, Hyderabad, explained about pest and disease management in sunflower. Dr. D. Swetha, Scientist (Agro), ARS, Tornala discussed about importance of secondary and micro nutrients in sunflower production, production technologies in sunflower, opportunities of mechanization in sunflower and its advantages such as labour and time saving. Dr. E. Umarani, Scientist (Pl. Br), ARS, Tornala explained about important aspects of seed production such as time and isolation distance maintenance in sunflower cultivation and in other oilseed crops. Later, farmers have raised problems in cultivation of sunflower and scientists suggested solutions. Further, inputs viz., borax and propiconozole were distributed to the sunflower FLDs beneficiaries. A field day was organised at sunflower host farmer Mr. Rajnikanth field. The programme was attended by Dr. R. Sasikala (Junior Breeder), Dr. M. Senthivalu (Junior Agronomist), AICRP on Sunflower, TNAU, Coimbatore and Sri. R. Naresh, AO, Smt. Kavitha, AEO and 40 farmers of Mantoor village.