Launching of “Rythumugitlo shastravettalu” at Husnabad on 05.05.2025 by ARS, DAATTC & APT, Tornala, Siddipet

A path breaking initiative of PJTAU, Rythu Mungitlo Shastravettalu-Scientists at Farmers foreground was grandly launched at the Agricultural Market Committee Hall, Husnabad, Siddipet by Tornala cluster involving ARS, DAATTC, APT, Tornala on 05.05.2025. Dr. S. Sridevi, Principal Scientist & Head, ARS, Tornala has welcomed the gathering and addressed about the motto and key messages of the programme viz., avoid over usage of Urea, practice judicious use of Agro-chemicals, preserve payment receipts for all Agri-Inputs, conserve water for sustainable agriculture, select quality seed and treat prior to sowing, boost organic matter to rebuild soil health, crop diversification for profitability, adopt bio fertilizers to enhance nutrient uptake, manage crop residues with mechanization, usage of the fertilizers should be applied based on the crop stage. At the insight, she explained in detail the over usage of the urea leads to diseases like BLB, Blast & BPH in rice, Balanced fertilization, crop residue management for sustainable agriculture and soil health management. Later Dr. Ch. Pallavi, Scientist (CP) briefed the water saving technologies and crop diversification, Sri. L. Raja, Asst. Prof (Extn) has explained about importance of Afforestation and collection of receipts during purchase of quality seed, fertilizers and pesticides. Two students (Ch. Pradeep & S. Bhanu) from APT, Tornala interacted with farmers and recorded the feedback of the farmers regarding the programme. Sri. B. Srinivas, ADA (Husnabad) said that to reduce the cost of cultivation, use of organic fertilizers, soil balance should be maintained, and fertilizers should be applied in 2 to 3 stages depending on the crop stages to increase its utilization efficiency. Honorable Minister Ponnam Prabhakar garu (Transport Minister of Telangana) addressed the farmers over the phone and advised to take advantage of this programme in reducing cultivation costs by following scientific practices in agriculture to achieve higher yields and be at the forefront in everything. Later, Dr. Srinivas Reddy (OSD to Minister & veterinary surgeon) spoke and urged the farmers to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and lean towards integrated agriculture. Sri. K. Lingamurthy, District Library Chairman has addressed the gathering about soil health should be maintained and paddy stubble should not be burned. Sri. K. Thirupati Reddy, Husnabad Agricultural Market Committee Chairman has thanked the ARS, Tornala for choosing Husnabad to create awareness among the farming community and said that such programs need to be held two to three times in every season. He urged farmers to take advantage of the programme. Sri. Shivayya, PACS Chairman said that farmers should definitely take receipts when purchasing seeds, pesticides and fertilizers and store them until the crop is harvested and they should practice farming based on the soil, mainly by growing green manure crops. Some of the progressive farmers (N. Illiah, G. Sudhakar Reddy, B. Mallesham, B. Sathish, G.Nagaraju, V. Sampath) has interacted with the Scientists and given feedback about the programme. Some of the farmers has raised issues like eatablishment of soil testing lab, commercial grain drier etc., and their needs at present. Smt. Padma, Ex Muncipal chairman, Sri. Tirupati Reddy, Vice Chairman of Koheda, all Directors of the Husnabad Market Committee (P. Trimurthy, D. Bharath, P. Balwan, B. Srinivas), Smt. K. Shreya, Mandal Agriculture Officer, Agricultural Extension Officers (K. Vijay, G. Venkata Sivaram) and 117 farmers of Husnabad Mandal participated in this program.