Empowering Rural Communities through Sustainability, Nutrition and Cultural Outreach conducted by NSS volunteer of Agricultural college Aswaraopet on 28.02.2026

Under the leadership of Associate Dean Dr. J. Hemantha Kumar, the NSS volunteers of Agricultural College, Aswaraopet, successfully conducted the third day [28/02/2026] of their National Service Scheme special camp. The day began with a focus on environmental sustainability through a “Swachhata Program”, during which volunteers established dedicated plastic collection points throughout the village. This was followed by an empowering session for rural women on mushroom production by AELP students and value-added products, featuring demonstrations on preparing nutritious dishes like bottle gourd appalu and payasam, as well as mushroom pakoda. In a collaborative effort, village women involved in the JIVA Project prepared pakoda, payasam, and khichdi using naturally grown millets, while volunteers explained the significant nutritional importance of these foods. To bridge academic learning with traditional wisdom, the volunteers also studied the preparation of natural kashayams (decoctions) used for pest control in natural farming. The day concluded with vibrant cultural outreach, as the students performed plays and dances to build a stronger rapport with the local farmers. This multifaceted program was efficiently coordinated by NSS Program Officers D. Sravanthi, Dr. P. Jhansi Rani, and Dr.A.Srijan.