One-Day Awareness Programme on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in Jowar for Sustainable Productivity organized at Rythu Vedika, Mahabubnagar district on 26.03.2026 by RARS Palem.

A One-Day Awareness Programme on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in Jowar for Sustainable Productivity was successfully conducted on 26.03.2026 at Rythu Vedika, Koilkonda, Mahabubnagar District under the SC-SP Programme of ICAR–IIMR. The programme was organized by the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Palem with the objective of creating awareness among farmers, particularly SC farmers, on scientific cultivation practices to improve productivity, sustainability, and climate resilience in jowar cultivation. Dr. Shashibhushan, Principal Scientist (Plant Breeding), RARS, Palem, acted as the In-charge and Head of the Programme and presided over the event. In his presidential address, he elaborated on the importance of the SCSP programme, its objectives, and the various benefits extended to farmers through improved technologies, capacity building, and institutional support. He emphasized the need for adopting scientific cultivation practices to enhance productivity and improve farmers’ income. Dr. P. Archana, TRVK Coordinator, Mahabubnagar, created awareness among farmers on digital agriculture tools, including the use of YouTube channels, Kisan Sarathi, and other mobile applications, which provide timely advisories and access to agricultural information. Dr. M. Shankar delivered a comprehensive lecture on pest and disease management in jowar, highlighting the importance of timely identification of pests and diseases and the adoption of integrated management practices to minimize crop losses. Dr. Kadasiddappa explained the best management practices (BMPs) in jowar cultivation, covering critical aspects such as appropriate sowing time, optimum spacing, nutrient management, and overall crop management practices to achieve higher productivity. Mr. Sriram Ajmera elaborated on high-yielding and improved jowar cultivars, explaining their potential advantages in terms of yield, adaptability to local conditions, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Dr. K. Kalyani highlighted the importance of maintaining soil health and stressed the need for soil testing, balanced fertilization, and sustainable soil management practices. She also advocated the cultivation of climate-resilient crops like jowar to address the challenges posed by climate variability and ensure stable agricultural production. The programme witnessed active participation from the Mandal Agricultural Officer (MAO), Koilkonda, Sarpanch Mrs. Sujatha Anand, vice-Sarpanch Mr. Thirupathaiah Goud, Agricultural Extension Officer (AEO), and a 100 number of SC farmers from Koilkonda Mandal. The programme was interactive and highly beneficial, enhancing farmers’ knowledge and encouraging the adoption of improved agricultural practices for sustainable jowar productivity.