ICAR–CRIDA, Hyderabad Organizes a demonstration programme of Bengal gram seeds and fruit seedlings and awareness on Swachhata in SCSP village

30 September 2026, Hyderabad

ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad organized a demonstration programme of Bengal gram seeds and fruit seedlings under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) at Kusharampally Thanda, Chincholi Taluk, Karnataka state to promote climate-resilient agricultural practices and enhance food and nutritional security among dryland farming communities.

As part of the programme, 2 tonnes of improved Bengal gram variety KCD-11 were distributed for demonstration across three villages Kusharampally Thanda, Chindanur and Shivareddypalli covering 100 farm households. The initiative aimed to facilitate the adoption of improved varieties and climate-resilient crop production practices among farmers.

To promote nutritional security and backyard horticulture, 600 fruit seedlings comprising pomegranate, guava, mango, lime and custard apple were distributed to 45 farmers for planting in their backyards/homegardens and also in agroforestry fields.

In addition, farmers actively participated in Swachhata Seva activities at Chindanur village, contributing to the promotion of cleanliness and community participation. The programme was conducted under the activity focusing on cleanliness drives at public places and creating awareness about no-littering, reduction of plastic and multi-layered packaging (MLP), safe waste disposal, sanitation, personal hygiene and responsible waste management.

The activity emphasized that maintaining a clean environment is a collective responsibility that requires active participation and sustained efforts from all sections of society. The villagers were satisfied with the Swachhtha campaign and promised to maintain the village neat and clean in future.

The programme emphasized the importance of integrated interventions combining improved crop varieties, horticultural diversification and community participation for strengthening the resilience and livelihoods of dryland farmers.

(Source: ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad)