Maize Research Unit (MRU), ARI, Rajendranagar organized Input distribution cum Farmer Training Programme on Production techniques

Maize Research Unit (MRU), Agricultural Research Institute (ARI), Rajendranagar, organized an Input Distribution-cum-Farmer Training Programme on Production Techniques in Maize for Scheduled Tribe (ST) farmers on 27th June 2026 under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Bhadradri Kothagudem. Dr. T. Bharath, Programme Coordinator, KVK, Bhadradri Kothagudem, welcomed the participants and briefed the farmers on the various extension activities of Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU) and highlighted the objectives of the TSP programme. Dr. R. Susheela, Principal Scientist (Agronomy), MRU, ARI, Hyderabad, delivered a lecture on the recommended package of practices for maize cultivation, with emphasis on mechanization, irrigation scheduling, nutrient management, and integrated weed management.                     Dr. D. Bhadru, Principal Scientist (Maize & Millets), MRU, ARI, Hyderabad, who emphasized the critical role of improved maize production technologies in enhancing productivity, profitability, and livelihood security of tribal farmers. He delivered the keynote technical lecture, highlighting the importance of selecting suitable high-yielding maize hybrids, timely sowing, optimum plant population, balanced nutrient management, efficient irrigation, integrated weed management, and scientific pest and disease management for achieving higher and sustainable maize yields. He recommended the farmers to adopt the latest maize production technologies developed by PJTAU and stressed that continuous interaction between scientists and farmers is essential for improving farm productivity and income. Dr. Ch. Anusha, Scientist (Entomology), MRU, ARI, Hyderabad, educated the farmers on the identification and integrated management of major insect pests and diseases in maize. Dr. M. Sreedhar, Associate Director of Research, RARS, Warangal, emphasized the need for farmers to adopt the improved technologies and to utilize the machinery distributed by the Maize Research Unit, Rajendranagar to enhance maize productivity and advised the scientists to document their field-level adoption and impact. Smt. S. Lalitha Kumari, Deputy Mayor, Kothagudem Municipal Corporation, encouraged the farmers to effectively utilize the technologies disseminated by PJTAU for improving crop productivity and farm income.    Mr. B. Shiva, Scientist (Horticulture), KVK, Bhadradri Kothagudem, explained the recommended crop management practices for Kharif-grown crops. As part of the programme, tarpaulins, Manual seeder seed drill machine, and pre- and post-emergence herbicides were distributed to 105 tribal farmers of Gundala Illandu, Tekulapalli and Ashwapuram mandals of Bhadradri Kothagudem district to promote scientific maize cultivation. A total of 150 farmers, along with the officials from the Department of Agriculture, participated in the programme. The programme concluded with an interactive session in which the farmers actively discussed their field problems and clarified their queries with the scientists.