Ahead of what is expected to be a scorching summer, water conservation and its related aspects were one of the major issues under discussion at the annual ‘Kisan Mela,’ organised by Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), here on Wednesday.
Right from small-scale models of ‘Farm Ponds,’ a concept envisaged by State government under ‘Panta Sanjeevini’ scheme, scientists and agricultural college students elucidated farmers on the advantages of water conservation along with benefits of integrated farming techniques in the Rayalaseema region. “With the prevalence of rain-fed agriculture in the region, there is a need to spread awareness on water conservation and best management practices,” said K. Raja Reddy, Director of Extension at Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU).
He said that the State government put forward several schemes beneficial to the farming community and a comprehensive awareness could help them in making agriculture profitable. “We will also be sharing the research and extension work at RARS, through publication and discussions, besides addressing the issues faced by farmers. Improvements in latest technologies, mixed farming (agri, horticulture and veterinary), best management practices, adaptability to changing climatic conditions will also be discussed,” he added.
ANGRAU Director of Research N.V. Naidu stressed on the need for developing high yielding varieties with pest and disease resistance for better yields. Vouching for a multi-disciplinary approach, Dr. Naidu urged the farmers to adopt integrated farming for sustainable income. RARS Associate Director of Research T.C.M. Naidu, former ANGRAU Vice-Chancellor A. Padma Raju, S.V. Agricultural College Associate Dean N.P. Eswara Reddy, and Dean of Agriculture T. Ramesh Babu took part.
New crop varieties developed by RARS scientists were also on display, at the exhibition, followed by their new product of bio-fertilizers.
