RARS, Palem organized 'Pranteeya Mahila Rythu Sadassu ' on 08.03.2026 on Internation Women's Day.

The Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Palem organized a “Pranteeya Mahila Rythu Sadassu” on 08.03.2026 at the Auditorium, RARS, Palem, on the eve of International Women’s Day. The programme primarily focused on women farmers, with the objective of showcasing cutting-edge agricultural technologies, improved crop varieties, innovative digital and IoT-based solutions, quality inputs and scientific farming practices for the benefit of farmers of Telangana State. This initiative was conducted as part of the University’s continued commitment to farmer-centric extension and outreach activities. The event also aimed to empower women farmers to address contemporary challenges in agriculture, such as the implications of excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the benefits of crop diversification and the adoption of market-oriented paddy varieties to obtain better prices with reduced risk. A total of about 200 women farmers from different mandals of the district participated in the programme. After registration, the women farmers were taken to the display plots, where scientists demonstrated various crop varieties and technologies developed by PJTAU. The demonstration was explained by Dr. G. Eswara Reddy, Scientist (Plant Breeding), Dr. K. Sadaiah, Scientist (Plant Breeding) and Mr. A. Sriram, Scientist (Plant Breeding). Technical sessions were conducted on best agricultural practices, pest and disease management, seed storage techniques by Dr A Padmsri, PS (Entomology), implications of excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides by Dr M Kadasiddappa, Scientist (Agronomy) and plant protection measures in rabi crops by Dr M Shankar, Scientist (Entomology). Students from APT, Palem and Narayanpet delivered speeches on the role of women in agriculture and gender equality, followed by cultural programmes. The scientists also interacted with farmers and addressed their queries regarding cultivation of crops such as maize and groundnut. In his concluding remarks, Dr. L. Krishna, Associate Director of Research (ADR), RARS, Palem, reiterated the important role of women in agriculture. He emphasized various agricultural schemes, the importance of Self Help Groups (SHGs), and the need for training programmes for farmers to promote the adoption of improved technologies. He also highlighted the increasing contribution of women scientists and staff in research and development activities in agricultural universities over the years. The programme concluded with the felicitation of progressive women farmers.