A KISAN MELA was organized on High Density Planting System (HDPS) in Cotton under the special cotton project of ICAR-CICR, Nagpur entitled “Targeting Technologies to Agro-Ecological Zones- Large Scale Demonstrations of Best Practices to Enhance Cotton Productivity” on 19th February 2024 at KVK, Hayathnagar Research Farm, ICAR- CRIDA.

About 30 tribal farmers, 345 farmers from Ranga Reddy District actively participated and interacted in the Kisan mela. The main focus of the Kisan Mela was on capacity building and knowledge sharing on basic concepts of HDPS, pest, disease and water management, role of mechanization in sowing (using pneumatic planter) and kapas picking etc.

Dr DBV Ramana, Principal Scientist (LPM) and Head-KVK, welcomed all the dignitaries and farmers and briefed about the role of HDPS cotton in enhancing the crop productivity and income of the farmers.

Dr. Y. G. Prasad, Director, ICAR-Cotton Research Institute, Nagpur, the chief guest inaugurated the publication on HDPS cotton and reiterated the benefits of cultivating cotton in this method. He also informed that the central government will provide financial support to the farmers to encourage cultivation of cotton in HDPS.

Dr. M Srinivasa Rao, In-charge Director, ICAR-CRIDA inaugurated the exhibition stalls and explained about the role drone technology and use of shredder for various crop operations and thus in reducing the cost of cultivation and improvement of crop productivity.

The dignitaries honoured and recognized the efforts of practicing farmers and the supporting officials in HDPS Cotton cultivation.

Mrs. Geetha explained about the adoption of suitable varieties and best agronomical practices in HDPS cotton

Dr K Vanisree, Sr Scientist (Entomology), PJTSAU explained about the pest and disease management

Mr P Naveen Kumar Goud, National Representative from RASI Seed, highlighted the suitable varieties for this region, use of Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) for reaping the higher benefits.

Dr B Sanjeeva Reddy, Principal Scientist (FMP) reiterated the benefits of mechanized sowing and the use of farm machinery like weeders, spray application by drones/ boom sprayers and pneumatic planter in HDPS cotton cultivation

Dr S. Vijaya Kumar, SMS (Agril Engg.) and Nodal Officer of HDPS Cotton elucidated the importance of water management practices during the critical/stress stages of the crop and also explained about the benefits micro irrigation system establishment in HDPS Cotton fields.

Officials from ICAR-CRIDA, Dr. D. Sudhir (SMS Veterinary), G. Sri Krishna (SMS Horticulture), P. Rama Krishna (Technical Officer), J. Sudarshan Reddy (YP-1), D. Suneeth (YP-2), P. Sai Varshan (YP-1) contributed to the successful conduct of the event.

Agricultural officer, Agriculture Extension Officer from the Department of Agriculture and about 22 representatives of various firms graced the occasion.

Officials from ICAR-CRIDA, Dr. D. Sudhir (SMS Veterinary), G. Sri Krishna (SMS Horticulture), P. Rama Krishna (Technical Officer), J. Sudarshan Reddy (YP-1), D. Suneeth (YP-2), P. Sai Varshan (YP-1) contributed to the successful conduct of the event.

Agricultural officer, Agriculture Extension Officer from the Department of Agriculture and about 22 representatives of various firms graced the occasion.