NATIONAL FARMERS DAY HELD ON 23.12.2025 AT RARS, PALEM

As per the instructions of the University, National Farmers’ Day was organized by the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Palem on 23rd December, 2025. All the scientists from RARS, Palem; KVK, Palem; KVK, Kampasagar; TRVK, Mahabubnagar; and TRVK, Vikarabad, along with farmers from various districts of the Southern Telangana Zone, viz., Nagarkurnool, Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda, and Vikarabad, participated in the programme. Representatives from the print and electronic media also took part in the event. Farmers visited the demonstration plots of redgram, millets, and maize, where the respective scientists enlightened them about the newly released and promising varieties in these crops. Dr. P. Prasanth, SMS (Agricultural Extension), extended a warm welcome to Dr. L. Krishna, Associate Director of Research, STZ; Dr. B. Pushpavathi, Associate Dean, Agricultural College, Palem; Dr. M. Sreedhar, Principal Scientist (Oilseeds); Dr. Sreedevi, Programme Coordinator, KVK, Palem; the scientists; and the participating farmers.Dr. L. Krishna, Associate Director of Research, briefed the gathering about the importance of National Farmers’ Day. He further emphasized the varieties released by PJTAU, highlighting RNR 15048 for its local and global importance. The key role of RARS, Palem in conducting research on major crops such as redgram, sorghum, castor, millets, and groundnut, and in developing location-specific varieties was stressed. Recent advancements like RMS and QSEV and their impact on the state were discussed, along with the growing importance of robotics, IoT, drones, and artificial intelligence in agriculture.Dr. B. Pushpavathi, Associate Dean, Agriculture College, Palem, emphasized the need for farm mechanization to address labour shortages and advised farmers to adopt appropriate, location-specific machinery. She encouraged farmers to be innovative and skill-oriented in farming, marketing, branding, and export activities.Dr. P. Sreedevi, Programme Coordinator, KVK, Palem, highlighted the pivotal role of KVKs in technology transfer, reaching unreached farmers, district crop profiles, and crop diversification and stressed the importance of dietary diversity, nutritional security, healthy food habits, lifestyle changes along with measures to combat malnutrition. In the technical session, lectures were delivered by the scientists on various topics of importance to the farming community. Dr. M. Shankar, Scientist (Entomology), RARS, Palem, spoke on Best Management Practices in Rabi Paddy Nurseries; Dr. A. Padma Sri, Principal Scientist (Entomology), RARS, Palem, presented on Integrated Pest Management in Groundnut; Dr. T. Chaitanya, Scientist (Soil Science), RARS, Palem, delivered a lecture on Sustainable Agricultural Practices; Dr. P. Prashanth, SMS (Agricultural Extension), KVK, Palem, highlighted the Importance of Digital Agriculture among the Farming Community; and Dr. O. Shaila, SMS (Plant Protection), KVK, Palem, explained the Management of Fall Armyworm (FAW) in Rabi Maize. During the programme, seven progressive farmers from the Southern Telangana Zone were felicitated for their outstanding efforts in adopting new technologies and seed production. After the completion of the technical session, the farmers interacted with the scientists and clarified their doubts related to cultivation and plant protection aspects in rice, redgram, maize, and other crops. A total of 260 farmers, including both men and women, from various districts of the Southern Telangana Zone participated in the programme. In this programme, AELP students from the Agricultural College, Palem actively participated. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Dr. O. Shaila, SMS (Plant Protection), KVK, Palem.