Visit of ICRISAT Scientists to Farmers’ Fields – Vikarabad District

A field visit by scientists from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) was organized by the Telangana Rythu Vigyan Kendra (TRVK), Vikarabad, an extension centre under Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU), on 13 January 2026 in Nawabpet mandal, Vikarabad district. The visiting team was led by Dr. Stanford Blade, Deputy Director General for Research and Innovation, ICRISAT, along with Dr. Hari Kishan Sudini, Principal Scientist and Head, Science Quality and Strategy, ICRISAT. During the visit, the scientists held detailed interactions with farmers to understand the prevailing crop production practices, field-level challenges, incidence of pests and diseases, and marketing constraints faced by the farming community. The team visited farmers’ fields in Phulapally, Naregudem, and Chittigidda villages, where major crops such as redgram, sorghum, safflower, chickpea, and a variety of vegetable crops were under cultivation. The scientists closely examined crop conditions and provided field-level technical suggestions aimed at improving productivity and ensuring sustainability. Dr. Stanford Blade emphasized the importance of crop diversification, increased cultivation of pulses, and adoption of scientific and integrated farming practices to improve soil health, enhance climate resilience, and increase farm profitability. He also highlighted the need to strengthen linkages between research institutions and farmers for effective technology dissemination and adoption. The visit was attended by Dr. T. Rajeshwar Reddy, Coordinator, TRVK, Vikarabad; Dr. B. Raja Madhushekar, Scientist (Technology Transfer), TRVK; extension officials, young professionals, and progressive farmers from the region.