Kanjikode: The agriculture department has introduced a novel method to strengthen immunity in pepper and ginger crops and boost growth. The newly developed bio-capsule pesticide has proved effective in enhancing plant immunity and promoting growth equally.

The capsule was successfully tested in the fields of 15 farmers under the Kuthanoor Krishi Bhavan in the district. The PGPR bio-capsule was developed by the Kozhikode-based Indian Institute of Spices Development. Palakkad has now become the second district in the State to conduct a successful trial run of the capsule.

The Athma agency is also partnering with the agriculture department in the trial. The capsule enables plants to absorb essential nutrients from the soil, thereby improving the growth and productivity of pepper.

Developed as a receptacle of microbes, the capsule enriches the soil and strengthens plant immunity. It is highly mobile, user-friendly, and environmentally safe, supporting sustainable farming practices. Just one gram of the capsule can be dissolved in 200 litres of water and applied to about 100 pepper vines. Its effectiveness is enhanced when used after stabilising soil acidity and ensuring sufficient organic matter.

The capsule also helps prevent the withering of ginger caused by bacterial infections. It can be applied to ginger seeds and offers solutions to root decay in ginger and turmeric.

What is a bio-capsule?
The Indian Institute of Spices Research has developed a technology to encapsulate friendly microbes at high density in gelatin capsules. Such capsules of friendly microbes usable in agriculture can be termed bio-capsule. These bio-capsules, containing 102 microbes per gram, improve crop health, enhance immunity, and increase nutrient availability, thereby boosting productivity.