Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav
Training programme on “Millets, local crops cultivation, production and their Innovative Processing Technologies under ICAR-AICRP-Pearl Millets-SCSP" on 16 March 2024
ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, Rajendra Nagar, Telangana, India, conducted the Training programme on “Millets, local crops cultivation, production and their innovative processing technologies” under ICAR-AICRP-Pearl Millet-SCSP” at Ramanappapalem Village of Guntur District. A.P. on 16 March 2024. Dr. C.Tarasatyavathi, Director, ICAR-IIMR-Hyderabad is the chief guest for this event and addressed on overview of millets and encouraged the farmers on pearl millet cultivation in rice fallows under zero tilt conditions in Krishna Godavari basin in a big way. 
Dr B.Subbarayudu, Principal Scientist welcomed farmers of Ramanappapalem, Itikampadu, Marripudi, Poondla, Gopapuram and Bodipalem; students of Agricultural college, Bapatla; Agricultural Engineering college, Bapatla; Food and Science Technology college, Bapatla; Bapatla Pharmacy college, Bapatla; scientists of ICAR- Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad; Scientists of ANGRAU; Agricultural Officers of Dept. of Agriculture, AP; artisans of Bapatla Agro Food Processing cluster; members of SARID (NGO), Press and media, etc. The celebration was started with Lighting Lamp by all the dignitaries.
Impact of ICAR-IIMR SCSP Programmes on farmers, entrepreneurs and others in present scenario and their details have been given by Dr A Srinivas. Associate Dean, Agricultural College, Bapatla briefed about the seed to plate technologies of local crops viz; maize, paddy, blackgram, etc. Dr TEGK Murthy, Principal, Bapatla Pharmacy College, Bapatla highlighted the importance of millets role in development of pharmaceuticals in present scenario. 
Improved cultivars needed to farmers and their crop management practices for pearl millet cultivation in rice fallows addressed by Dr P. Sanjana Reddy. Dr Aruna Reddy shared and addressed her experiences with the sorghum growers about the many fold advantages of sorghum hybrids in general and particularly dwarf height sorghum hybrids. Dr. Vjay Bhinandan, Director of Extension, ANGRAU, Lam, Guntur explained about role of agricultural based research institutions in promotion of millets and agro-based industries. How nutritional values of millets cater the needs in present and future addressed by Dr R. Venkateswarlu. Importance of climate resilient crops in zero tilt situations in Western Krishna basin districts of AP delivered by Dr.D.Seva Nayak. The benefits of NABARD credit Linked schemes to Schedule Caste farmers addressed by Mr G.Sarat Babu, DDM, NABARD, Guntur. 
Dr L Madhavi Latha, Principal Scientist, ARS, Perumallapalle, ANGRAU and Dr T.S.S.K.Patro, Principal Scientist, ARS, Vizianagaram, ANGRAU were highlighted the importance of millets cultivation, production and their utilization in coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh. Dr Wesley, Principal Scientist, Agricultural Engineering college, Bapatla highlighted the and required value added technologies to farmers in millets and other local crops. The advantages of natural farming methods and their role in present scenario to protect the health and wealth of people and animals explained by Miss Madhavi and Mr L V Ramana. Sri G.Sridhar, progressive farmer motivated all farmers and participants about the cost effective agricultural methods. The value added millet food products of ICAR- Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad and College of Home Science, Lam, Guntur, ANGRAU show cased to the farmers and other stakeholders. Free Heath campaign was organized in this training programme. Drs. B.Subbarayudu, A. Srinvas, D.Seva Nayak and R Venkateswarlu were coordinated this event. In this program refreshments and working lunch provided to enrolled members (800). The villagers viz.; Sri Sriramamurthy, Madhavi, D.Ravi Teja, Naani, D. Naveen, Ramesh, Samuel, Devadanam, Lazar, Tupakula Srikanth, Akki Srinu, Akki Phani Kumar, B.Krishna Rao etc are extended their services for the organization of the event. Overall, the training programme organized successfully with the cooperation of all. Dr B Subbarayudu thanked all the participants. The said event was published in local papers. Thanks to Dr C.Tara Satyavathi, Director; Smt Ritu Dalal, SAO; Sri Shaik Rukman, SFAO, all colleagues and participants for their cooperation and support to made the event grand success.
Awareness programmes on International Year of Millets (IYoM)-2023 and Swachhta Bharat Program carried out at Polimerathanda on 9th October-2023
ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research-Hyderabad, Rajendra Nagar, Telangana carried out the awareness programme on International Year of Millets (IYoM)-2023 and Swachhta Bharat in Tribal Thanda Polimerathanda of Balanagar Mandal in Mahaboobnagar District of Telangana on 9th October-2023. Dr. B. Subharayaudu, Nodal officer (Swachh Bharat Program) highlighted the importance of Swachh Bharat Program activities and also International Year of Millets (IYoM)-2023. Scientists of ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research-Hyderabad, Rajendra Nagar, Telangana participated in cleaning of the roads, at houses in Grama Sabha locations. Dr B. Subbarayudu, distributed the information brochures and pamphlets to the farmers for dissemination of millet technology. Overall, the people were sensitized on village cleaning, removal of weeds and planting of trees, transh-bins and disposal of waste, and sanitation to avoid the diseases and maintain healthy environment. Urged to farmers grow the millets thereby save water, soil health and health of rural people. 
Use of High Yielding Variety (HYV), mechanized farming tools, seed to seed low - cost packages. Various business techniques, moulding farmer to entrepreneur, linkages with research organizations. In addition, seed packages were given to the farmers under ‘Seed-to-Seed’ program. The farmers were made aware about millet cultivation, production, productivity and value addition etc. He advised farmers, students and seed entrepreneurs, house wives, Telangana State Govt. agriculture department extension functionaries, about the importance of improved cultivars, and value addition in all crops. Dr D. Seva Nayak Senior Scientist, Plant Physiologist (Swachhta Bharat Program-Coordinator), sensitized the people in general about the importance of cleanliness of surrounding and also encouraged farmers to form Self-help groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organization Scheme (FPOs).
He highlighted how the farmer’s group could increase farm income through and enhance their farm profit in a successive way. Further, he advised farmers to about the importance of backyard farming viz. sheep farming, goat farming, poultry, fisheries, dairy farming, etc. To make the program successful the following participants contributed significantly Sri Deepla Naik, Mr Narasimha, Mr Kumar, Smt Lakshmi Bhai, Smt Bujji Bhai, Sri Walya Naik, of Polimera Thanda, Sri Anjaiah etc for making the program success.
Sorghum Field day at Davuluru on 27 Mar 19
ICAR- Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad (IIMR) organized a Sorghum Field day at Davuluru village in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh on 27 March, 2019 and exhibited the yield gain potential of the five sorghum hybrids.
These hybrids were sown during rabi 2018 under zero tillage situation. A total of 30 sorghum farmers from Davuluru, Chakrayapalem, Atthota, and Anantavaram villages of Guntur district actively participated. Most of the farmers preferred sorghum hybrid RFSH1, with the desirable characters of medium height, tolerant to lodging and resistance to insect pests and diseases besides more grain yield.
On this occasion, Scientists of IIMR Drs. B. Subbarayudu, S. Ravi Kumar, and Ch. Sashidhar Reddy spoke about the packages of practices for sorghum as well as other millets cultivation. Mr B. Srikrishnadevarayalu, ADA; Agricultural Extension Officers, Mandal Extension Officers from Department of Agriculture, Tenali, and Dr. DM Bahadure, ACTO, IIMR also participated in the deliberations. On this event, Value added and millet food products were also displayed. Dr B. Subbarayudu, Pr. Scientist, IIMR coordinated this event. This event was widely covered by the local press and media.
IIMR organized exposure visit to the farmers on 9 Mar 19
Eight key millet farmers from IIMR’s adoptive village Sarpanpally visited millets Food Processing lab, Nutri-cereals Innovation Centre at Indian Institute of Millets Research on 9 March, 2019. They have also visited the ongoing millets demonstration plots and observed the grain and fodder yield potentials of all millets.
They acquainted with millet crops cultivation practises and processing and production of millet value added products. This programme organized under NABARD sponsored project on “Promotion of millets technology and entrepreneurial skills among farmers/youth of Vikarabad Telangana” an coordinated by Dr.B Subbarayudu and Dr.ChSashdhar Reddy.
Agriculture Minister’s interactive session with millet farmers
ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research’s adoptive village farmers participated and Interacted with Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekawat, Hon’ble Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare at National Academy of Agriculture Research Management, Hyderabad on 9 March, 2019. The millet farmers from Sarpanapally village, Vikarabad district, Telangana participated in this session and raised the problems like non availability of quality seed, intricacies in organic farming, lack of sufficient millets processing facilities, minimum support price etc. During the deliberations, IIMR scientists appraised the farmers about various technologies developed at IIMR, including hybrids and varieties, cultivation practices, processing technologies, value-added food products and their health benefits. In this program other ICAR Institutions situated in Hyderabad and Department of Agriculture, Telangana also participated. Drs. B. Subbarayudu and Ch. Sashidhar Reddy,Principal Scientists, IIMR coordinated this event.
Awareness programme on millet cultivation at Jaidupalli on 12 Feb 19
ICAR- Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad conducted an awareness programme on “Entrepreneurship development for millet products in post rainy season (2018-2019)” for the youth, students and farmers on 12 February, 2019 at Zilla Parishad High School, Jaidupalli village near Vikarabad.
Dr. B Subbarayudu, Principal Scientist, IIMR during his address explained the package and practices for millets cultiva-tion, and benefits of soil health cards. Dr. Ch. Shashidhar Reddy, Principal Scientist, IIMR briefed about the strate-gies to enhance the improved millets production and crops adoption. Farmers, youth and studentsfrom-Jaidupalli and surrounding villages participated in this event. Staff from Regional Agricultural Research Station, PJTS Agricultural University, Palem, Department of Agri-culture, Vikarabad, Telangana also participated in this event.
Farmers showed interest to get trained in millets food processing technologies. The said event was con-ducted under the NABARD sponsored project entitled “Promotion of Millets Technology and Entrepreneurial Skills among farmers and youth of Vikarabad district in Telangana” and was telecastin E-TV Jai Kisan Pro-gramme on 13 February, 2019.
Training programme for Farmers on 2nd Nov 2018 at Sarpanpally Village of Vikarabad
ICAR- Institute of millets research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad organized a farmer’s training programme on “Millets cultivation and their utilization” on 2 November, 2018 at Sarpanpally village of Vikarabad district in Telangana under the NABARD project “Promotion of Millets Technology and Entrepreneurial Skills among farmers /youth of Vikarabad district in Telangana”. Drs. Ch Sashidhar Reddy and B Subbarayudu, Principal Scientists, IIMR interacted with the farmers.
The staff from Agricultural Research Station, PJTS Agricultural University, Tandur, and Department of Agriculture, Vikarabad, also participated in this programme.
Observance of Vigilance Awareness Week “Eradicate Corruption – Build a New India”
As part of Vigilance Awareness Week, ICAR- Institute of millets research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad organised two awareness programmes outside the campus, for School and college students as well as for Rural farmers and villagers.
At Telangana Model School and College: Vigilance Awareness Week on “Eradicate Corruption – Build a New India” was organized on 31 Oct 2018 at Telangana Model School and College, IDA Bollarum, Hyderabad, Telangana. Dr. S. Ravi Kumar, Sr. Scientist, IIMR administered the Vigilance Awareness and Integrity Pledge with School students and Teachers.
At Sarpanpally Village: The vigilance awareness programme carried out at Sarpanpally village of Tharur Mandal, Vikarabad district of Telangana on 2 November, 2018. In this programme farmers, school children, women farmers, Scientists of Prof Jayashankar Agricultural University Telangana participated and took the integrity pledge.
The ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, scientists Drs. Ch Sashidhar Reddy and B Subbarayudu coordinated this event.
Farmers day at Kadila Bhavi Thanda on 13 July 2018
Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad organized Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav programme and Farmers Day events at Kadilabhavi Thanda of Ibrahimpatnam Mandal of Ranga Reddy District, Telangana on 13 July, 2018.
In these events, Drs. B Subbarayudu and Ch. Shashidhar Reddy, Principal Scientists, IIMR explained the importance of millets, their nutritional value and the need for soil health cards to know the soil fertility thereby to follow the recommended doses of fertilizers. They also addressed the about the package of practices of millets and the insect pests of millets and their management.
Distribution of Millet seeds to tribal farmers
Punugodu and Chakirala:
Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) organized Millet Seeds Distribution to Tribal farmers at Punugodu village in Kanigiri Mandal, Prakasham district on 12 June, 2018 at 11.00 AM and at Chakirala village in Kanigiri Mandal, Prakasham district, Andhra Pradesh at 4.00 PM.
In these events in each Village around 100 members including tribal farmers, Department of Agriculture, Government of Andhra Pradesh, NGOs, Dwakra Mahila Members Participated. Rs. B Subbarayudu and C Sashidhar Reddy, Principal Scientists from IIMR Hyderabad explained the farmers about the package of practices for the cultivation of sorghum and other millets and motivated them to revive millets cultivation. They also distributed the seed to the farmers. They displayed millet health food products of IIMR.
Kothavalasa:
An awareness programme and Millet Seeds Distribution to Tribal farmers was successfully conducted at Bangaraiahpeta village, near Kothavalasa, Vijayanagaram district, Andhra Pradesh on 6 June, 2018. This program was organized to make the tribal farmers aware about importance of sorghum in rainfed uplands and in agency areas. More than 60 farmers participated and got acquainted with the techniques of millet cultivation and received the sorghum and other millet seeds. Dr. S Ravi Kumar, Sr. Scientist, IIMR explained the farmers about the package of practices for the cultivation of grain sorghum and forage sorghum.
Dr. B Venkatesh Bhat, Principal Scientist, delivered a lecture on the cultivation of various minor millets and forage sorghums. Dr. KV Raghavendra Rao, CTO briefed about the alternate uses, value addition, other millet food products and importance of their nutritional values. Sh. Raghunath Kulakarni, Technical Officer discussed on seed related issues. This event was organized by IIMR with the cooperation of Smt. K Saraswathi, Secretary, SABALA an Ngo and Secretary, ARogya Millets FPO and the programme was widely covered in the local print media.
Awareness programme on Millets cultivation
Jaidhupally village: Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad organized an awareness programme on “Millets cultivation, production and development of entrepreneurial skills” for farmers of Vikarabad district on 8 June, 2018 at Jaidhupally village of Vikarabad district in Telangana. A good number of farmers and Mr. Giriraju Anil kumar, A.E.O, Department Agriculture, Vikarabad participated and made the event success. Dr.B. Subbarayudu, Principal Scientist, IIMR coordinated this event.
Farmers’ Day organized at Nelapadu village, AP on 16 March 2018
Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad organized a “Sorghum Farmer’s Day” at Nelapadu village in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh on 16 March, 2018.
The main objective of this programme was to create aware ness and build‐up confidence to adopt improved sorghum production technologies through orientation and enhance farm income of the farmers.
About 50 sorghum farmers attended and actively participated in the interactive sessions. Dr. B Subbarayudu, Principal Scientist, IIMR addressed the gathering on sorghum development and alternative uses emphasizing its health advantages.
Farmers’ Day organized on 6 January 2018
Farmers’ Day was organized under Mera Gav and Mera Gaurav programme of ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research Institute, Hyderabad to create awareness on Millet cultivation to the farmers of Peda-Golconda village of Shamshabad Mandal, Ranga Reddy District, Telangana state on 6 January, 2018 in collaboration with the Farmers Training Centre, Department of Agriculture, Government of Telangana.
More than 100 farmers participated in this event. IIMR represented by Dr. B. Subbarayudu, Principal Scientist and other officials participated and addressed the farmers in this programme were: Mr Y. Sudhakar Reddy, Project Director, ATMA, Ranga Reddy; Mrs. O.V.S.Usha Rani, Deputy Project Director, ATMA, Ranga Reddy; Mrs. Bindhu Madhavi, A.O. FTC; Mrs. Madhavi Latha A.O. FTC; Sri Lakshmi, ADA, Rajendranagar and Mrs. Kavitha, A.O. Shmshabad. Dr. B. Subbarayudu spoke about the Integrated Pest Management methods to control insect pests of sorghum and importance of sorghum and its nutritional value. Millet value added products developed at IIMR also showcased.
Field Day under Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav programme on 10 October 2017
A farmer’s day was organized on “Improved methods of millets cultivation” at Khubiya Thanda in Madugula Mandal of Ranga Reddy District on 10 October, 2017 under Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav programme.
Two hundred farmers from Khubiya Thanda and surrounding villages were participated in farmer’s day. In this event the millet food products were displayed. Dr B.Subbarayudu, Principal Scientist from Indian Institute of Millets Research and Mr Y.Sudhakar Reddy, DDA; Mr M.Kanaka Raju, ADA: Mr R.Ravinath, AO,: Smt Y.Lavanya-AO, Mr K.Gowtham- MAO; Mr AV Koteswara Rao A.O; Miss Radha-AEO, Miss Bhudevi-AEO from Farmers Training Center, Department of Agriculture, Telangana State from the Farmers Training Center, Department of Agriculture, Telangana State combined organized this programme.
Dr B.Subbarayudu addressed the gathering on package of practices of various millets and their value addition including their integrated pest management. They also explained the importance of millets and their nutritional value. This programme was widely covered by local print media.
Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav organized at Godhamguda village of Vikarabad on 23 August 2017
ICAR- Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad organized two “Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav” programmes at Godhamguda village of Vikarabad District, Telangana State on 23 August 2017 in association with Grameen Mall Foundation. Total one hundred farmers from Sarpanapalli, Zaidhupalli villages and surrounding villages were participated in this programme.
Fig.1. Scientist of IIMR, Hyderabad addressing the improved methods of millets cultivation at Godhamguda village of Vikarabad district during Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav on 23rd August, 2017.
IIMR scientists – Drs. SS Rao, Ch Shashidhar Reddy, B Subbarayudu, P Mukesh, R Venkateswarlu, R Swarna, C Deepika, Jinu Jaco, Sooganna addressed about the package of practices of foxtail millet and its value addition to double the farmer income and improved methods of sorghum cultivation including their integrated pest management.
Fig.2. Scientist of IIMR, Hyderabad addressing the health benefits and high yielding cultivars of millets at Godhamguda village of Vikarabad district during Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav on 23rd August, 2017.
They also explained the importance of millets and their nutritional value. Most of the farmers of the Sarpanapalli and Godhamguda of villages are interested to cultivate millets in a large scale and establish a processing unit on community based management with the cooperation of Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad.
Fig.3. Scientist of IIMR, Hyderabad addressing the improved methods of agronomic practices for millets at Godhamguda village of Vikarabad district during Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav on 23rd August, 2017.
Fig.4. Godhamguda village President explaining the benefits and activities of IIMR, Hyderabad during Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav on 23rd August, 2017.
IIMR scientists also conducted a baseline survey at Godhamguda village and collected data on constraints of millet growers and the status of distribution of soil health cards.
Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav programme organized at Zaidhupalli village on 9th August, 2017
Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav programme organized at Zaidhupalli village 09th August, 2017.
Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad organized Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav programme at Sarpanapalli and Zaidhupalli villages of Vikarabad District, Telangana State on 09th August 2017 with the collaboration of Grameen Mall Foundation. Hundred farmers from each from Sarpanapalli and Zaidhupalli villages and surrounding villages were participated in Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav programme. In this event various food products of millets and particularly the food products of sorghum and their importance were explained. In this event the food products of sorghum grain, namely, sorghum biscuits, multigrain Atta, flakes, Kichidi Rawa, flour, Rawa, pasta, vermicelli etc. were popularized.
IIMR Scientists and farmers Interface on cultivation of millets at Godhamguda village of Vikarabad district, Telangana State on 09th August, 2017
Dr. Ch. Shashidhar Reddy and Dr. B. Subbarayudu suggested the improved methods to obtain the high grain and fodder yields.. The data collected on constraints of 100 farmers. IIMR identified Godhamguda is village adopted villages of the Institute. Dr B.Subbarayudu explained about the improved methods of sorghum cultivation and particularly the insect pests of millets and their integrated pest management. He also addressed the importance of millets, their nutritional value and the need for soil analysis of farmer’s fields. Dr Ch.Sashidhar Reddy addressed about the package of practices of foxtail millet and its value addition to double the farmer income.
Scientist of IIMR, Hyderabad addressing the improved methods of millets cultivation at Zaidhupalli village during Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav on 09th August, 2017
It has been observed that farmers of the Sarpanapalli and Godhamguda of villages of Vikarabad district, Telangana state are interested to cultivate millets and establishing the community based millets food processing machine with the cooperation of Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad. They also informed to the scientists that they need high yielding seeds of millets in the coming years in a big way. Farmers also said that they are cultivating cotton, maize, turmeric, paddy and red gram, etc..The major problems of these villages are vertebrate pests (monkeys) which are destructing the crops in a massive way. Some times monkeys are attacking the human beings and also rarely attacking in groups ( > 200 monkeys) and killing the farmers found lonely. Market prices of maize Rs.1600/q cotton Rs.4400 and turmeric Rs.7000/- per quintal were prevailing in these villages. Data monitored on constraints of millet growers and baseline survey at Godhamguda village. Scientists of Indian Institute of Millets Research, Representative form Grameen Mal Foundation made the foxtail crop field visit of Sri Tukaram. The field was infested with the Parthenium weed and relevant control measures were suggested.
Foxtail millet crop field infested with Parthenium weeds at Godhamguda village of Vikarabad district, Telangana State on 9th August, 2017
