Funding agency: State Planning Commission, Govt. of TN

Location: Tamil Nadu across 34 districts 

Period: 6 months 

Brief description: 

The Chief Minister's Mannuyir Kaathu Mannuyir Kaappom (CM’s MKMKS) scheme was launched by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in June 2024 to enhance soil fertility and sustainability; promote environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, mainly through the application of green manure, and decrease dependency on synthetic chemical fertilizers by facilitating the replenishment of essential soil nutrients through organic inputs. Sesbania and Crotalaria belonging to the leguminous family were distributed to around 2 lakh farmers covering one acre per farmer across 34 districts of Tamil Nadu. Sesbania (Thakapondu/Daincha) and Crotalaria seeds (Sunhemp/Sanapai) were collected from the available locations to assess the quality of the seed by germination assay. The germination assay indicated the seeds were of good quality with germination rate of 60% and above. The impact of the green manure use on the soil nutrient status improvement and on crop productivity has been surveyed among 4,575 farmers. The application of green manure showed a clear preference by the farmers as it resulted in soil nutrient status improvement and crop productivity.

a. Seed quality assessment by germination

b. Impact of green manure application on soil health