Palem conducted Rural Youth and Farmers Training Programme on Modern Agriculture & Agribusiness
A six-day Rural Youth and Farmers Training Programme on Modern Agriculture & Agribusiness was organized at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Palem, in collaboration with the Cornell Sathguru Foundation, from 20th to 25th July 2026. The programme was organized with the objective of enhancing the technical knowledge, practical skills and entrepreneurial capabilities of rural youth and farmers by exposing them to modern agricultural technologies, sustainable farming practices and emerging agribusiness opportunities. The training programme was conducted under the collaborative initiative of Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU) and Cornell Sathguru Foundation for Development.
A total of 43 farmers and rural youth from different districts of Telangana participated in the training programme, comprising 37 male and 6 female participants. The programme was coordinated in collaboration with Dr G Eswara Reddy, Scientist (Plant Breeding), RARS, Palem, Mrs K Mamatha, Scientist (Agronomy), RARS, Palem, Mrs. Likitha, Manager, Cornell Sathguru Foundation for Development and Mr. Upender, Programme Officer, Cornell Sathguru Foundation.
The inaugural session was followed by a series of technical lectures and practical exposure sessions delivered by scientists and experts from RARS, Palem, KVKs, line departments and other organizations. The participants were imparted knowledge on important areas including the oilseed scenario in Telangana, crop diversification with pulses, integrated farming systems, application of drones in agriculture, integrated pest management and smart fertilization strategies.
As part of the programme, the participants were also exposed to various allied agricultural enterprises and successful models through field visits. The trainees visited sericulture, poultry and fisheries units, as well as Centres of Excellence at Mulugu and Jeedimetla, which provided practical insights into diversified farming systems and agribusiness opportunities. The technical sessions further covered sustainable crop residue and weed management, high-density planting in cotton, integrated disease management, seed certification procedures, emerging opportunities in animal husbandry, sericulture and apiculture.
On the fifth day, Dr. L. Krishna, Associate Director of Research (ADR), RARS, Palem, addressed the participants and highlighted the importance of adopting improved agricultural technologies, quality seed, climate-resilient production practices and market-oriented approaches for enhancing farm productivity and profitability. The participants expressed their satisfaction with the training and appreciated the comprehensive coverage of modern agricultural technologies, practical demonstrations, field visits and agribusiness opportunities on last day at the end of the programme. The programme concluded with a valedictory address by Dr. L. Krishna, ADR, RARS, Palem, followed by the distribution of certificates to the participating rural youth and farmers. The programme concluded on a positive note, with the participants expressing their appreciation to RARS, Palem, PJTAU and Cornell Sathguru Foundation for Development for providing valuable technical knowledge, practical exposure and guidance on modern agriculture and agribusiness.
