ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, organized a “Kisan Mela” on 10th February, 2024 under SC Sub-Plan. The Kisan Mela programme was held at Algaon Village, Kotapally Mandal, Mancherial District, Telangana. .

The Chief Guest of the is Dr. V. K. Singh, Director, ICAR-CRIDA emphasized the role of farmers in food grain production. In his address, he has highlighted on various rainfed technologies for resource conservation. He also urged farmers to participate in skill development programmes for enhancing their livelihood security. . During the programme, Dr. T. V. Prasad, Principal Scientist & Nodal Officer, SCSP highlighted the interventions under SCSP. Later, Dr. S.S. Balloli, Principal Scientist briefed about the soil health management, Dr. K. Sreedevi Shankar, Principal Scientist explained about the importance of millets and its value addition.Dr. K. S. Reddy, Principal Scientist briefed on rainwater management practices for dryland agriculture, Mr. N. V. R. N. Murthy, CFAO urged farmers to cooperate with SCSP team and get maximum benefit through the programme. Then Dr. G. Venkatesh, Principal Scientist explained about the importance of growing forest trees and Er. Ashish stressed on role of farm mechanization in the context of shortage of agricultural labour. . Dr. V. Visha Kumari and Dr. Anshida Beevi from ICAR-CRIDA and Shri. C. Mahender, Agriculture Officer, Kotapally Mandal also attended the programme.Demonstration of Drone technology in agricultural operations was the highlight of the programme. About 200 farmers from the SCSP adopted villages participated in the programme.Initially, Director, ICAR-CRIDA along with team members monitored various interventions under SCSP. .