Promote Climate-Resilient Sorghum Cultivation through Farmer Awareness Programme and seed distribution in Gandeed Mandal

Scientists of Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTSAU), Telangana Rythu Vignana Kendram (TRVK), Mahabubnagar, Dr. P. Archana and Dr. K. Kalyani, organized an awareness and training programme on Best Management Practices in Sorghum Cultivation at Anchanpally and Gandeed villages of Gandeed Mandal, Mahabubnagar district, under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) programme sponsored by the ICAR–Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad on 01-06-2026. 

Addressing the farmers, Dr. P. Archana, Coordinator, TRVK, Mahabubnagar  emphasized the growing importance of millet cultivation in the context of climate change, declining groundwater resources, and the need for nutritional security. She explained that millets, particularly sorghum, are drought-tolerant crops requiring less water and inputs compared to other cereals. She encouraged farmers to adopt millet-based cropping systems to improve farm sustainability, reduce production costs, and enhance household nutrition. She also highlighted various government initiatives and promotional programmes supporting millet cultivation.

Dr. K. Kalyani, Scientist (CP) delivered a detailed lecture on scientific sorghum cultivation practices. She explained the importance of selecting suitable varieties, timely sowing, seed treatment, optimum seed rate, balanced nutrient management, weed control measures, moisture conservation practices, and integrated pest and disease management. She also discussed the economic advantages of cultivating green sorghum and advised farmers on adopting improved agronomic practices to achieve higher productivity and better returns.

As part of the programme, Palem Pacha Jonna (PYPS-2) seed was distributed free of cost to 40 Scheduled Caste farmers to promote the cultivation of improved sorghum varieties in the region. The scientists also interacted with the farmers and addressed their field-level problems related to crop establishment, nutrient deficiencies, pest incidence, and water management.

The programme witnessed active participation from local leaders and farmers. Sri B. Chinna Reddy, Sarpanch of Anchanpally village, Sri R. Bhagavanthu Reddy, President of the Gandeed Mandal Sarpanches Association, Sri Pasula Srinivas, REC Member, and other village representatives attended the event and appreciated the efforts of TRVK in promoting millet cultivation among farming communities.

More than 50 farmers participated in the programme and expressed their interest in adopting the recommended technologies demonstrated by the scientists. The programme concluded with an interactive discussion session, during which farmers clarified their doubts and received technical guidance on sustainable sorghum cultivation practices for improving productivity and income.