ICAR - Indian Institute of Spices Research

𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗥–𝗜𝗜𝗦𝗥 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰: 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀

Turmeric variety Pragati, developed by ICAR–Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode, is a high-performing cultivar designed to meet the evolving needs of farmers. With a short duration of 180 days, it enables timely harvests and improved cropping efficiency. Its tolerance to root-knot nematodes supports healthier crop growth and minimizes yield losses under field conditions.

The variety is characterized by 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝟱.𝟱𝟱%) 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝟭𝟯%), making it suitable for both domestic markets and processing industries. Under recommended agronomic practices, Pragati records 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝗿𝗵𝗶𝘇𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘆𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝟯𝟱.𝟰 𝘁/𝗵𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗿𝘆 𝘆𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝟲.𝟳𝟮 𝘁/𝗵𝗮, 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝟭𝟵%, contributing to enhanced farm profitability.

Pragati is well-suited for cultivation in major turmeric-growing states including 𝗞𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗮, 𝗧𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹 𝗡𝗮𝗱𝘂, 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗵𝗿𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗵, 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗮, 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗮, 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗵.

This improved variety offers a balanced combination of productivity, quality, and resilience, supporting sustainable turmeric cultivation and enhanced farmer income.

ICAR - Indian Institute of Spices Research organised an awareness programme for farmers at the Chelannur Krishi Bhavan seminar hall on April 24, 2026, as part of the nationwide campaign on the balanced use of fertilizers.

The programme began with a welcome address by Ms. Jesla, Agricultural Officer. Dr. Shamsudheen M delivered a detailed session on 'Soil Health Management for Improving Plant Productivity' highlighting the importance of scientific nutrient management and soil health in enhancing crop productivity.

This was followed by an interactive discussion where Dr. M Balaji Rajkumar, Dr. Shameena Beegum P P, Dr. Maneesha S R and Dr. Pradeep B engaged with farmers, addressing their queries on nutrient management and crop practices.

As part of the programme, IISR black pepper micronutrient mixture and biocapsules were distributed to all participants to promote balanced nutrient application and improved soil health practices.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Government of India

An awareness programme on Balanced Use of Fertilizers for Sustainable Soil Health was organised at the Ramanattukara Municipal Office building on April 23, 2026 by ICAR - Indian Institute of Spices Research in collaboration with the Ramanattukara Krishibhavan and the Ramanattukara Padasekhara Samithi.

The programme was inaugurated by Shri. Kallada Muhammed Ali, Chairman, Ramanattukara Municipality, who highlighted the importance of integrating scientific practices into traditional farming for long-term sustainability. Mr. Vineeth Varma, Agricultural Officer, Ramanattukara Krishibhavan welcomed the gathering and outlined the local agricultural challenges and the objectives of the campaign.

The technical sessions covered key aspects of soil health management and scientific nutrient use. Dr. K S Krishnamurthy explained the importance of balanced fertilizer application in improving productivity, soil health and crop quality while reducing cultivation costs. Dr. Divya P Syamaladevi emphasised the role of soil testing and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) through the combined use of organic and inorganic sources. Dr. Muhammed Azharudheen T P introduced the farmers to IISR technologies, including practical guidance on the use of biocapsules and crop-specific micronutrient mixtures for efficient nutrient management.

To support the adoption of these practices, black pepper micronutrient mixtures, NPK capsules and PGPR biocapsules were distributed to the participants. The programme concluded with an interactive session where farmers engaged with scientists to address their soil health and nutrient management concerns.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Government of India

A team of scientists from ICAR - Indian Institute of Spices Research, Regional Station, Appangala, visited Maragodu on 22 April 2026 as part of the Intensive Awareness Campaign for Adoption of Science-Based Nutrient and Input Management.

During the programme, a technical session on “Impact of Biofertilizers and Micronutrients on Pepper Growth & Yield” was delivered by Dr. Rajanna G A, Dr. Aksh*tha H J and Dr. Gayathri G N. The session highlighted the significant role of biofertilizers in enhancing nutrient availability, improving soil microbial activity and promoting sustainable pepper cultivation. The importance of micronutrients in improving plant growth, yield and stress tolerance in black pepper was also emphasized. Further, the serpentine method of black pepper propagation was explained as an efficient technique for raising healthy and uniform planting material. Scientists also emphasized the integrated use of biofertilizers, biocapsules and micronutrients for maintaining soil health and achieving sustainable yields. As part of the programme, Black pepper micronutrient mix was distributed to planters to encourage balanced nutrient application in pepper cultivation.

Intensive Campaign on Balanced Use of Fertilizers

As part of the nationwide Intensive Campaign on Balanced Use of Fertilizers, ICAR - Indian Institute of Spices Research organized a farmer awareness programme at A J John Memorial High School in collaboration with the Chathankottunada Agriculturist Welfare Cooperative Society.

The programme was inaugurated by Smt. Megha Poyiluparambath, President, Kavilumpara Grama Panchayat. Technical sessions on soil health management, balanced fertilizer use and sustainable crop production practices were delivered by Dr. Biju C N, Dr. K Anees, Dr. Sajesh V K and Dr. Sona Charles.

The sessions highlighted the importance of applying fertilizers in recommended quantities and adopting scientific nutrient management practices to maintain soil health and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Government of India

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗜 𝟮𝟮 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

She gives.
We must give back—wisely.

ICAR’s commitment:
Scientific use of fertilizers—right soil, right dose, right balance—
to protect her health and sustain our future.

𝗡𝘂??𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗮??𝘁𝗵. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝘂𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹.


Shivraj Singh Chouhan Bhagirath Choudhary Press Information Bureau - PIB, Government of India Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Government of India

𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗥

On 21st April 2025, 𝗗𝗿 𝗠. 𝗟. 𝗝𝗮𝘁 assumed office as Secretary (DARE) and Director General, ICAR—marking the beginning of a transformative journey.

Over the past year, his leadership has steered ICAR towards impactful research, strengthened innovation ecosystems, and enhanced outreach to farmers across the country. With a strong focus on sustainability, policy reforms, and last-mile delivery, ICAR continues to shape a resilient and future-ready agricultural landscape.

As we mark this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to science-led growth, farmer empowerment, and national development.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan Bhagirath Choudhary Press Information Bureau - PIB, Government of India Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Government of India

Intensive Campaign on Balanced Use of Fertilizers continues in Kozhikode district.

ICAR - Indian Institute of Spices Research organised a farmer awareness and training programme for farmers at Panikottoor on April 21, 2026 as part of the Intensive Campaign on Balanced Use of Fertilizers towards sustainable soil health.

The sessions focused on balanced fertilizer application, soil health management, and the role of biofertilizers and biological inputs in improving nutrient uptake and sustaining productivity. Farmers were also introduced to eco-friendly pest management practices in spice crops and the scope for value addition and improved post-harvest handling in vegetables to enhance farm income.

The technical sessions were led by Dr. Sarathambal C, Dr. Manimaran B and Dr. Manoj P S, along with Ms. Resma, Agricultural Officer from the Department of Agriculture Development and Farmers’ Welfare Kerala.

Participants, cultivating crops such as black pepper, banana, coconut, rubber, and arecanut interacted with the experts and discussed nutrient management and crop production practices.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Government of India
Krishi Vigyan Kendra-Calicut

As part of the Intensive Campaign on Balanced Use of Fertilizers, ICAR - Indian Institute of Spices Research organized an awareness and training programme at Kakkur, Kozhikode on April 20, 2026. The programme was organised under the guidance of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, with the participation of farmers from the region.

The programme aimed to sensitise farmers on sustainable soil health management and the importance of the balanced use of fertilizers to prevent soil degradation and ensure long-term productivity. The sessions also highlighted the integration of modern biological inputs into traditional spice and vegetable cultivation practices.

During the programme, technical sessions focused on soil health management and the role of biofertilizers, emphasizing recommended fertilizer application along with the use of bio-capsules and other biological inputs to enhance soil microbial activity and improve nutrient uptake efficiency. Discussions also covered the identification and eco-friendly management of pests affecting major spice crops to ensure better quality yields, along with insights into value addition and improved post-harvest handling in vegetables to minimise losses and enhance farmer income.

The technical sessions were handled by Dr. Praveena R, Dr. Alfiya P V, Dr. Pritam Ganguly and Dr. C Sellaperumal, along with Ms. Seena K and Mr. Jaisil K K from the Department of Agriculture Development and Farmers Welfare Kerala, who also briefed farmers on the various subsidies and support schemes available to help them adopt these technologies.

To facilitate the immediate adoption of the practices discussed, bio-capsules, micronutrient mixtures, and extension pamphlets on soil health and spice cultivation practices were distributed to all participating farmers.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Government of India

An article on cardamom cultivation featured in the Agri Series of LUCA. The article discusses important aspects of cardamom farming, highlighting scientific practices, challenges, and opportunities in the sector.

🔗 Read the full article here:

കേരളത്തിലെ ഏലം കൃഷി: മുന്നോട്ടുള്ള വഴി കേരളത്തിലെ ഏലം മേഖല ഒരു നിർണായക ഘട്ടത്തിലാണ്, ഈ മേഖലയിലെ ഉൽപാദന വെല്ലുവിളികൾ, വിപണിയിലെ ചാഞ്ചാട്ടം, നിയന്ത്രണ .....

Visit of IAS Officer Trainees (2025 Batch) as part of the Winter Study Tour

ICAR - Indian Institute of Spices Research had the pleasure of hosting ten IAS Officer Trainees (2025 Batch) as part of their Winter Study Tour on 12 March 2026. The programme began with the ICAR song, followed by a welcome address by Dr. S. R. Maneesha, Senior Scientist, and an introductory interaction with the trainees. An overview of the institute’s activities was presented through the “ICAR-IISR at a Glance” video, followed by remarks from Dr. D. Prasath, Director (i/c) & PC, AICRP on Spices. The trainees then visited key research and extension facilities of the institute, including the Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC) and Post-Harvest Technology Laboratory. The visit provided the trainees with valuable insights into spice crop research, technology development, and the role of agricultural institutions in supporting farmers and strengthening India’s spice sector. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. B. Manimaran, Senior Scientist.