Bhadradri Kothagudem in collaboration with ICAR–Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research
Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Bhadradri Kothagudem, in collaboration with ICAR–Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR–IIOR), Hyderabad, organized a Kisan Mela-cum-Distribution Programme of Sunflower Hybrids at the KVK premises on 19 September 2026 under the ICAR–IIOR Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) Project. The programme was organized to create awareness among tribal farmers about sunflower cultivation as an alternative remunerative crop, particularly in view of prevailing El Niño conditions, and to promote improved production technologies, value addition and marketing opportunities in oilseed crops.
Dr. M. Sreedhar, Associate Director of Research, RARS, Warangal, explained the prevailing El Niño conditions and their possible implications for agriculture. He highlighted sunflower as an alternative remunerative crop and emphasized its potential for cultivation under suitable conditions.
Dr. G. Suresh, Principal Scientist (Agronomy) and TSP In-charge, ICAR–IIOR, Hyderabad, briefed farmers about the ICAR Tribal Sub Plan programme and explained important production practices in sunflower, particularly weed management, nutrient management and water management for achieving higher productivity.
Dr. G. D. Satish Kumar, Principal Scientist (Extension), ICAR–IIOR, Hyderabad, explained the importance of value addition and marketing of oilseed crops. He also highlighted the role of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in collective production, value addition, market linkage and improving farmers’ bargaining power.
Dr. H. P. Meena, Senior Scientist (Plant Breeding), ICAR–IIOR, Hyderabad, briefed the farmers about the different sunflower hybrids, their characteristics and suitability for cultivation under different agro-climatic conditions.
Sri Babu Rao, District Agricultural Officer, Bhadradri Kothagudem, presented an overview of the agricultural scenario of Bhadradri Kothagudem district and highlighted the importance of suitable alternative crops and improved agricultural technologies for enhancing farmers’ income.
Sri G. Sunil Kumar, Senior Manager, Telangana Grameena Vikas Bank, Sujathanagar, explained various agricultural crop loan facilities and government-supported banking schemes available to farmers and encouraged farmers to make effective use of institutional credit facilities.
The programme was attended by Dr. S. Om Prakash, Scientist (Entomology), RARS, Warangal; Dr. T. Bharath, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK, Bhadradri Kothagudem; RAWEP students; Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) representatives; and around 300 farmers from the district. As part of the ICAR–IIOR Tribal Sub Plan Project, improved sunflower hybrids were subsequently distributed to 250 farmers to encourage the adoption of sunflower as an alternative and remunerative oilseed crop. The programme provided farmers with an opportunity to interact directly with scientists, agricultural officials, banking representatives and extension personnel and to gain practical knowledge on sunflower production, crop management, improved hybrids, value addition, marketing and institutional support. The Kisan Mela concluded with an emphasis on promoting climate-resilient and remunerative cropping systems among tribal farmers and strengthening technology transfer from research institutions to farmers.
