Agriculture Awareness Programme on Chia – A Nutrient-Rich Crop Organised in Belagavi

Agriculture Awareness Programme on Chia – A Nutrient-Rich Crop Organised in Belagavi

Belagavi: An Agriculture Awareness Programme on “Integrated Management of Chia, a Nutrient-Rich Crop” was jointly organised by ICAR–KLE Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mattikoppa, Belagavi District, and KLE Venudhwani 90.4 FM, Belagavi, with the objective of creating awareness among farmers about scientific chia cultivation, its nutritional importance and value addition.

Mr. Hitesh Parikh, Member, Pal Trading Corporation, Ambaji, Gujarat, and Dr. S. S. Hiremath, Senior Scientist and Subject Matter Specialist, ICAR–KLE Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mattikoppa, participated as resource persons and provided valuable information on chia cultivation and management practices.

During the programme, the resource persons discussed various aspects of chia cultivation, including the introduction and nutritional benefits of chia seeds, suitable varieties, land preparation, seed selection, sowing methods, water management, plant protection measures and harvesting-related practices.

Information was also provided on the various uses of chia seeds and preparation of value-added products, highlighting the potential of chia as a nutrient-rich crop and its possible utilisation for improving farm-based value addition.

The programme helped farmers gain practical knowledge about scientific cultivation practices, crop management, nutritional benefits and value addition of chia seeds.

The collaborative initiative by ICAR–KLE Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mattikoppa, and KLE Venudhwani 90.4 FM, Belagavi, aimed to strengthen agricultural awareness and disseminate useful scientific information to the farming community through community radio.