Palem  conducted Rural Youth and Farmers Training Programme on Modern Agriculture & Agribusiness

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bhadradri Kothagudem in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, conducted an awareness programme on the effects of El Niño, contingency crop planning and natural farming at Mukkamamidi Village, Mulakalapally Mandal, Bhadradri Kothagudem District on 25.07.2026. During the programme, Dr. T. Bharath, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Bhadradri Kothagudem, explained the likely impact of El Niño and emphasized the importance of contingency crop planning under deficit rainfall conditions. He informed the farmers that, due to a 35% rainfall deficit, paddy cultivation may not be suitable in the current season. Instead, farmers were advised to cultivate alternative crops such as red gram, green gram, black gram, sesame, castor, horse gram, and cowpea. He also advised cotton farmers that, under prolonged dry spell conditions, foliar spraying of 2% urea or 1% potassium nitrate can help reduce moisture stress and improve crop performance.

Sri Ravikumar, Assistant Director of Agriculture, highlighted the importance of Natural Farming in improving soil health, enhancing sustainability, and reducing the cost of cultivation. He encouraged farmers to adopt natural farming practices for long-term agricultural productivity. The programme was attended by Sri Arun Babu, Agricultural Officer (AO), Smt. Kursa Adilaxmi, Sarpanch, Sri Rahul Gandhi, Agricultural Extension Officer (AEO), Sri Arunkumar, Panchayat Secretary and 85 farmers, who actively participated in the interactive session