Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyaan

ICAR-IIMR Drives Millet Awareness in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana States under Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyaan

Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) – 2025 Pre-Kharif Campaign at Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh
ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Banavasi, organized the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan from 29th May to 12th June 2025 in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. The campaign aimed at empowering farmers through awareness on scientific agricultural practices, soil health, and government schemes. Experts explained the role of KVKs and their extension services, HDPS in cotton, and demonstrated the latest technologies for Kharif crops. Sessions were conducted on central and state schemes, soil sample collection, and crop production and protection technologies in cotton, chilli, redgram, foxtail millet, groundnut, bajra, mango, and tomato, IPDM in cotton and chilli, ICM in redgram, millets, and onion, INM in groundnut, paddy, and chilli, scientific livestock management, government policies, formation and strengthening of FPOs, and farmer innovations. Information literature on cotton, mirchi, redgram, Bengal gram, and soil health was distributed to farmers. As part of the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP), ICAR-IIMR facilitated the distribution of Foxtail Millet (Mahanandi variety) seeds to ST farmers through Sevalal FPO MACS Ltd, Pattikonda. Key scientists and officials Dr. K. Raghavendra Chowdary (KVK, Banavasi), Dr. Sangappa (Scientist, IIMR), Dr. A. Srividya (Scientist, IIMR), Dr. Swarna Ronanki (Scientist, IIMR), Dr. P. Sujathamma (DAATTC, Kurnool), Dr. K. Ashok Kumar and Dr. BVR Ravi Prakash Reddy (RARS, Nandyal), Dr. K. Giridhar (Anantharajupeta), and SMSs from KVK participated in the Program. The program strengthened farmers’ knowledge and encouraged adoption of improved practices for sustainable agriculture.

 

Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) – 2025 Pre-Kharif Campaign at Sangareddy, Telangana Sangareddy, Telangana

ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (DDKVK), Sangareddy, organized Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) – 2025 Pre-Kharif Campaign on 29th May at Mogudampally Mandal, covering three villages—Gotigarpally, Gudupalli, and the tribal village Gousabad Thanda in Telangana. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 350 male and female farmers. The program was inaugurated by Dr. D. Seva Nayak, Senior Scientist, ICAR-IIMR, who also delivered a detailed talk on the importance of millets in the context of climate change, highlighting high-yielding varieties, water and nutrient use efficiency, nutritional benefits of millets as both "poor man's food" and "superfood," and the role of advanced technologies such as drones, sensors, and Leaf Colour Charts (LCC) for irrigation and nutrient management. He also emphasized the significance of marketing linkages, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), watershed management, and adoption of water-saving crops and techniques. The program was led and coordinated by Dr. C. Vara Prasad, Senior Scientist and Head, DDKVK, who welcomed all the participants. Other dignitaries and experts who contributed to the sessions included Dr. V. Suchitra (Head, Horticulture, Sangareddy), Dr. V. Ramesh, G. Shailaja, M. Hemalatha, Dr. N. Snehalatha, Dr. P. Sai Priyanka, Dr. Kailash Madne, and Sri K. Bikhapathi, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Zaheerabad. Discussions focused on Minimum Support Price (MSP), central and state government schemes, soil health cards, crop loans, and crop insurance. Soil health cards were distributed to farmers as part of the initiative, empowering them with vital knowledge for sustainable and productive agriculture.

Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) – 2025 Pre-Kharif Campaign at Warangal, Telangana

The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) – 2025 Pre-Kharif Awareness Campaign was organized at PVNR Telangana Veterinary University, KVK, Mamnoor in collaboration with ICAR- Indian Institute of Millets Research from 29th May-2nd June 2025, with the objective of sensitizing farmers about sustainable agricultural practices and government initiatives. The program began with an overview of VKSA’s mission and the significance of the pre-Kharif awareness campaign. Dr. N. Kannababu, Principal Scientist at ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad, elaborated on the research activities of IIMR and introduced new millet varieties. He emphasized the importance of millets in maintaining soil health due to minimal fertilizer requirements, their integration in natural farming, and their role in crop diversification. He also highlighted agro-technologies related to various millets, including multi-cut fodder cultivars of sorghum such as CSH 22 MF and CSH 24 MF, stressing the dual utility of millets as food and animal feed. The ecological benefits of millets—such as lower pest incidence, reduced water usage, and shorter crop duration—were discussed, along with the advantages of millet processing and value addition. Dr. Ch. Sowmya, SMS (Agronomy), KVK Mamnoor, shared insights on suitable Kharif crops, soil fertility, and integrated crop management. She detailed the use of cover crops, green manures, pulses, and crop rotation for soil health improvement and demonstrated soil testing procedures. Officers from horticulture, veterinary, fisheries, state agriculture departments, and private firms engaged with farmers and explained sector-specific practices and schemes. Representatives from IFFCO provided a detailed overview of nano-fertilizers and demonstrated drone spraying in agriculture. Farmers’ queries were addressed, and the participants found the program highly informative and beneficial. Leaflets covering recommended practices in crop management, horticulture, veterinary and fisheries, along with information on central government schemes, were distributed to the farmers.

Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) – 2025 Pre-Kharif Campaign at Warangal district, Telangana Warangal, Telangana, 6th to 12th June 2025

As part of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) – 2025 Pre-Kharif Campaign, ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Mamnoor, organized an extensive extension outreach program across various villages of Warangal district, Telangana from 29th May to 12th June 2025. Drs. P. Sanjana Reddy from ICAR-IIMR, led the Pre-Kharif campaign from 6th to 12th June and conducted several field-level activities aimed at promoting millet cultivation and diversification of cropping systems with millets. During the program, several village-level awareness programs were conducted through organizing community meetings. The meetings focused on highlighting the nutritional, economic, and ecological benefits of millets along with improved production practices in maize, rice, cotton and chillies that are commonly grown in the region. Dr. Sanjana delivered expert lectures on the different kinds of millets, their nutritional benefits, wide adaptability and climate resilience, inclusion into cropping systems and less input requirements. She educated farmers on millet cultivation practices for the Kharif season or in rice fallows with minimal management. In general, she discussed on soil health, importance of soil testing, importance of seed treatment, timely sowing, use of high-yielding varieties and timely harvesting across crops. The post-harvest processing requirements for small millets and the commercialization of millets through value addition and marketing was also discussed. Farmers were encouraged to take up millets in rice fallows after harvest of short duration rice varieties and use the millets for consumption at farm level for attaining nutritional security. The farmers were sensitized on utilization of digital tools and precision farming techniques. Dr. Arunjyothi Homescientist (KVK Mamnoor) spoke on the precautions to be followed in prevention of commonly prone health issues, fevers and diseases during rainy season and stressed on the importance of millets in diets especially for farm women and children. Mr. Sarangam Retd. ADO spoke on pest and disease management in kharif crops, detrimental effects on human and soil health through over usage of insecticides and fertilizers. Dr. G. Nirmala, Principal Scientist, CRIDA discussed soil and water conservation measures and farm mechanisation for dryland crops. Dr. Ch. Sowmya, SMS Agronomy discussed suitable kharif crops cultivation practices. Dr. Ganesh explained Integrated fish farming utilizes available water resources efficiently, often alongside crop or livestock farming, enhancing overall farm productivity. Information Leaflets on Importance of Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), Soil testing, Pink Bollworm control, Central Government schemes, Fish farming, Live-stock farming, Poultry farming, Awareness on pesticides were distributed to help participants retain and apply the knowledge.

Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) – 2025 Pre-Kharif Campaign at ICAR-PVNR TVU, KVK, Mamnoor, Warangal district Telangana Warangal Telangana

1st June 2025

As part of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) – 2025 Pre-Kharif Campaign, ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad in collaboration with ICAR-PVNR Telangana Veterinary University, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Mamnoor organized an extension activity at Nachinapalli, Venkatapur, and Rekampalli villages of Duggondi Mandal, Warangal district, Telangana, with the participation of 415 farmers. Dr. N. Kanna Babu, Principal Scientist, ICAR-IIMR, shared insights into the institute’s work and emphasized the dual role of millets as both food and fodder, highlighting their importance in conserving water, fertilizer, and time. He also explained cultivation practices and millet processing. Dr. N. Rajanna, Programme Coordinator and Head, KVK Mamnoor, outlined the various initiatives of KVK and elaborated on the significance of VKSA in promoting sustainable agriculture. Dr. Ch. Sowmya, SMS (Agronomy), spoke about soil health management practices, while Dr. L. Sharada, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, listed the vaccines available for livestock health care. Sri Vijay and Smt. Vijayanthi, AEOs from Duggondi, informed farmers about various government schemes currently available. Leaflets on Soil Health Management, Pink Bollworm Management, and Central Government schemes were distributed, contributing to increased awareness among the farming community.

Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) – 2025 Pre-Kharif Campaign at Sangareddy, Telangana Sangareddy, Telangana

31st May 2025

ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sangareddy, organized a Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan program at Narayankhed, covering three villages in Kangti Mandal, Telangana. The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of around 350 farmers. Dr. C. Aruna, Principal Scientist, and Mr. Sai Prashanth from ICAR-IIMR emphasized the importance of millet cultivation and its health benefits, highlighting the role of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in empowering farmers through collective marketing and better access to inputs and infrastructure. Farmers actively participated in the interactive discussions and received Soil Health Cards and educational materials. Subject Matter Specialists from KVK Sangareddy—Dr. N. Snehalatha (Plant Protection), E. Swamy (Soil Science), Dr. Sai Priyanka (Agricultural Extension), and Dr. Kailash (Animal Husbandry)—along with the Agriculture Officer from Kangti Mandal and Mr. Ramesh from the Watershed Management team, addressed key topics such as pest and disease management in crops, soil sampling techniques, usage of organic fertilizers, and the various State and Central Government schemes available to promote organic farming practices.

Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) – 2025 Pre-Kharif Campaign at Chintanekkonda villages of Parvathagiri Mandal in Warangal district, Telangana

Warangal Telangana, 31st May 2025

ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad in collaboration with ICAR-PVNR Telangana Veterinary University, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Mamnoor conducted an Extension Activity under Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) – 2025 Pre-Kharif Campaign at Gugulothu Thanda, Enugal, and Chintanekkonda villages of Parvathagiri Mandal in Warangal district, Telangana, with the active participation of 400 farmers. Dr. N. Kanna Babu, Principal Scientist, ICAR-IIMR, emphasized the role of millets in natural farming and crop diversification, detailing agrotechnologies of various millets and highlighting multi-cut fodder sorghum varieties like CSH 22 MF and CSH 24 MF as effective animal feed. Dr. G. Nirmala, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CRIDA, spoke on soil and water conservation practices, including ridge and furrow irrigation for maize, broad bed cultivation for cotton, drip irrigation for vegetables, and mulching, while also listing dryland agriculture machinery and implements. Dr. Ch. Sowmya, SMS (Agronomy), discussed alternate methods of paddy cultivation such as drum seeding and direct seeding, along with suitable rice varieties. Dr. Rajesh, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, explained the lumpy skin disease in cattle and informed farmers about schemes like the National Livestock Mission (NLM) and Entrepreneurship Grant Program (EGP). Sri Prashanth, Agricultural Officer, Parvathagiri, provided an overview of ongoing government schemes available for farmers. Information leaflets on Soil Health Management, Pink Bollworm Management, and Central Government schemes were also distributed during the program.

ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad in collaboration with ICAR-PVNR TVU, KVK Mamnoor Organized Pre-Kharif Campaign under Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) 2025

Warangal, Telangana | 30th May 2025

As part of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) – 2025, ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad in collaboration with ICAR-PVNR Telangana Veterinary University, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Mamnoor organized an extensive Pre-Kharif Extension Campaign at Pothereddipalli and Konduru villages in Raiparthy Mandal, Warangal District. The event witnessed the active participation of 185 farmers.

Dr. N. Kanna Babu, Principal Scientist, ICAR-IIMR, highlighted the nutritional value of millets and their importance in sustainable agriculture. Dr. G. Nirmala, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CRIDA, elaborated on water conservation methods including farm ponds, check dams, micro-irrigation, and advised farmers to form FPOs and utilize schemes like Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana. Dr. Ch. Sowmya discussed kharif crop selection and emphasized soil fertility enhancement through green manures, cover crops, crop rotation, and pulses. Dr. Venkateswarlu, Assistant Director, Animal Husbandry Department, addressed lumpy skin disease in cattle and the benefits of fodder cultivation. IFFCO representatives Mr. Imran and Mr. Jeevan explained the use of nano fertilizers and demonstrated drone spraying technology in agriculture. Leaflets on Soil Health Management, Pink Bollworm Management, and Central Government schemes were distributed, and an interactive session addressed farmers' queries. The farmers found the program informative and effective in preparing for the Kharif season.

Hyderabad, May 29, 2025
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, has launched the National flagship initiative Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyaan, being held from 29th May to 12th June 2025, to promote sustainable and inclusive agricultural development across the country.

In alignment with this mission, ICAR - Indian Institute of Millets (Shree Anna) Research (ICAR-IIMR), Hyderabad, is actively participating in the campaign through targeted outreach programs in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. A team of 20 scientists from ICAR-IIMR were sent to work across five districts in collaboration with five Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s (KVKs), directly engaging with farming communities to address their challenges with scientific solutions.

The focus of the campaign is to empower farmers with knowledge on advanced millet cultivation practices. This includes training on the adoption of high-yielding, climate-resilient millet varieties, which can withstand weather extremes and enhanced productivity. Farmers are also receiving expert guidance on integrated pest and disease management techniques to minimize crop losses. The campaign features demonstrations on post-harvest processing and value addition methods. These techniques not only improve the shelf life and nutritional profile of millet-based products but also increase their market appeal, creating new income opportunities for smallholder farmers.

A key component of the campaign is creating awareness about Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and their benefits. Farmers are being encouraged to join or form FPOs to improve collective bargaining, reduce input costs, and access better markets, ultimately leading to higher incomes. It is also collaborated with ICAR-KVK, Banavasi to empower the Tribal Farmers of Kurnool district with improved foxtail Millet Seed of 20 Quintals through the Farmers Producer Organization (FPOs) located in the Kurnool Districts.

Through these concerted efforts, ICAR-IIMR as a leading institution in the millet sector, continues to spearhead efforts to promote millets as crops of the future—offering nutrition, climate resilience, and economic stability to farmers.

Dr. C. Tara Satyavathi, Director, ICAR-IIMR, highlighted the significance of the campaign, stating, “Many farmers in remote areas are unable to reach agricultural experts with their field-level problems. This campaign will bridge that gap by creating a direct interface between farmers and experts, including breeders and scientists. It will be a major step towards solving farmers’ problems through real-time interaction and expert guidance.” Dr. B Gangaiah, Nodal Officer, ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad is coordinating the activities and ensuring smooth execution of outreach efforts across the two states.