The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) has recommended spraying of Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph (PPFM) bacteria to mitigate drought and save crops.
The KVK has taken up spraying of PPFM, an invention of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, as an initial cluster demonstration on 1,000 hectares in 10 blocks. R.Durai Singh, Professor and Head, Programme Coordinator, KVK said the spraying of PPFM helped the crops remain greener for 15 to 20 days and help them to rejuvenate when it rains within that period. The KVK has taken up the spraying at a cost of Rs. 20.50 lakh under the National Food Security Mission, he said.
Farmers could buy a 200 ml PPFM tin from the KVK for Rs. 60 and apply the same mixed with 200 litres of water on one acre of paddy crop with hand sprayer. However, a section of farmers felt that spraying of PPFM could be helpful only during the terminal stages of the crops.
