29 August 2026, Andhra Pradesh
Dr Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, virtually inaugurated the newly established Farmers’ Hostel at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Guntur, under Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University (SVVU), today. The facility is expected to strengthen residential training programs, farmer interactions and technology dissemination activities of the KVK.
Shri B. Ramanjaneyulu, MLA, Guntur District; Dr J.V. Ramana, Vice-Chancellor, SVVU; Dr Shaik N. Meera, Director, ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone X, Hyderabad; and Dr B. Shobhamani, Director, Extension, SVVU, along with local representatives, scientists, officials and farmers, participated in the program.
A Kisan Mela was also organized with a focus on El Niño awareness, climate-resilient agriculture and High-Density Planting System (HDPS) cotton cultivation. Farmers were sensitized about the possible impacts of El Niño and the importance of adopting suitable climate-resilient technologies for sustaining agricultural productivity. Seeds of the groundnut variety ‘Visishta’ were distributed to farmers to promote the adoption of improved varieties.
Addressing the gathering virtually, Dr Rajbir Singh appreciated the initiatives of KVK Guntur in strengthening farmer-oriented extension activities. He emphasized field-level dissemination of technologies, direct interaction with farmers and timely delivery of scientific information. He urged the KVKs to work closely with farmers to address field-level challenges and promote climate-resilient technologies, including HDPS cotton. He also encouraged greater support to farmers, rural youth and agri-entrepreneurs for improving productivity and livelihoods.
Dr Shaik N. Meera appreciated the efforts of KVK Guntur in strengthening linkages between scientists and the farming community. He emphasized expanding need-based training programs, demonstrations, technical advisories and field-level extension activities. He also highlighted climate-smart agriculture, improved varieties, HDPS cotton, entrepreneurship development and value addition as important pathways for enhancing farm income and sustainable rural livelihoods.
The dignitaries interacted with participants of the honey bee training program and agri-entrepreneurs and reviewed their experiences, skills acquired through KVK training and entrepreneurial activities. They appreciated the efforts of the KVK in promoting skill development, rural entrepreneurship and alternative income-generating opportunities among farmers and rural youth.
Farmers also interacted with the dignitaries and shared their field-level experiences and concerns. The importance of strengthening farmer–scientist interaction, technology demonstrations, climate-resilient agriculture and timely technical advisories was emphasized. Farmers expressed interest in participating in future residential training programs utilizing the newly established Farmers’ Hostel at the KVK campus.
A total of 458 farmers, officials, local public representatives, trainees, agri-entrepreneurs and KVK staff participated in the program.
(Source: ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone X, Hyderabad)
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