Promoting Millets, Empowering Farmers: Scientist–Farmer Interface and Input Distribution in Andhra Pradesh

8 September 2025, Hyderabad

A special Capacity building Program Millet Scientists -Scheduled Caste Farmers Interface Meeting & Input Distribution Program was successfully organized today at Banavasi, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

The event was jointly organized by the ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad and ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone X -ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Banavasi (Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University) under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) component of the Global Centre of Excellence on Millets (Shree Anna), ICAR-IIMR, and Hyderabad.

Scientists from ICAR–IIMR, ICAR–KVK Banavasi, and RARS Nandyal (ANGRAU), along with representatives from line departments, participated in the programme, interacted with farmers on millets and sustainable agriculture, and distributed free inputs such as quality seeds, farm implements, and tarpaulins to Scheduled Caste farmers.

The programme emphasized the promotion of millet cultivation and the creation of better livelihood opportunities for Scheduled Caste farmers through value addition.

Technical sessions conducted by experts from ICAR–IIMR, ICAR–KVK Banavasi, and ANGRAU focused on advanced millet cultivation practices, processing technologies, and market opportunities to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
As part of the event, 15 stalls were set up showcasing millet value-added products, improved agri-inputs, technologies nurtured by KVK Banavasi, FPO initiatives, and live millet recipe demonstrations.

Addressing the gathering, speakers highlighted the importance of ICAR–IIMR, Hyderabad’s initiatives under the SCSP component in promoting advanced millet technologies to Scheduled Caste farmers. Farmers were sensitized to the role of millets as climate-resilient crops with strong potential for generating sustainable incomes.

The scope for millet-based entrepreneurship in rural areas was also discussed, particularly through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and the establishment of primary processing units supported by various schemes. Gratitude was expressed to ICAR–IIMR, Hyderabad for its continued support under the SCSP initiative of KVK Banavasi, with emphasis on how such interventions empower marginalized farmers by providing access to knowledge, essential inputs, and value chain development opportunities.

The programme concluded with distribution of millet seed, farm implements and tarpaulins to farmers.

The program witnessed active participation of more than 300 farmers, scientists, extension functionaries, agriculture department officials and local stakeholders.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad)