Rythu Nestham Live video conference Programme
The 98th episode of the ‘RythuNestham’Live Video Conference was conducted on 14-7-2026 from 10-00 to 12-00 AM at the Electronic Wing Studio, ARI, Rajendranagar. The programme commenced with the screening of the RythuNestham theme song, followed by the inaugural session. Prof. Aldas Janaiah, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, PJTAU, emphasized the importance of profitable farming through the adoption of cost-reduction technologies and crop diversification, discouraging the continuous cultivation of rice.
Subsequently, Dr. Sravani, Senior Scientist, India Meteorological Department (IMD), presented the weather forecast for the ensuing Kharif season. She informed the participants that a predominantly dry season was expected and advised farmers to plan their cropping systems accordingly.
Dr. Tara Satyavathi, Director, ICAR–Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), highlighted the potential of millet cultivation as a climate-resilient alternative. She elaborated on the characteristics, adaptability, and economic importance of sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra), and foxtail millet.
This was followed by a presentation from Dr. K. V. Rao, Principal Scientist, ICAR–CRIDA, who discussed the precautions and contingency measures to be adopted in different cropping systems under the anticipated weather conditions.
Dr. G. Suresh, Principal Scientist (Agronomy), explained the feasibility of cultivating oilseed crops as an alternative to rice, while Dr. S. G. Mahadevappa, Principal Scientist, Agricultural College Research Centre (ACRC), Rajendranagar, briefed the participants on suitable alternative crops to rice for the Kharif season.
The technical session concluded with an interactive Farmer–Scientist Interaction, during which farmers’ queries were addressed by the panel of experts.
Sri Thummala Nageshwar Rao attended the programme as the Chief Guest and shared his valuable insights on effective crop management and suitable crop diversification options for the Kharif season.
The programme was presided over by Sri Surendra Mohan, IAS, Secretary to Government, Agriculture & Cooperation Department. The event was attended by Dr. B. Gopi, Director of Agriculture; Dr. M. Yakadri, Director of Extension, PJTAU and Dr. M. Sreenivasulu, Principal Scientist (Agricultural Extension) and Coordinator, Electronic Wing, PJTAU. Officials from the Department of Agriculture and various allied departments also participated in the programme.
Approximately 45,000 farmers from around 1,600 RythuVedikas across Telangana participated in the live video conference, making the programme a significant platform for disseminating contingency crop planning and climate-resilient agricultural practices for the ensuing Kharif season.
