ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (ICAR-CRIDA), Hyderabad, organised a Kisan Mela at Kusarampalli village, Chincholi Taluk, Kalaburagi district of Karnataka state on 01. 08. 2026 under its Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) programme.

The programme was graced by ICAR-CRIDA Scientists, Dr. Ravi Kant Adake, Principal Scientist, Dr. K.B. Sridhar, Nodal Officer (SCSP); Dr. K.Ravishankar, Principal Scientist, Dr.Sreedevi Shankar, Principal Scientist, Dr.Rejani, Principal Scientist, Dr.Savitha Santosh. Senior Scientist, Dr. A. Keerthika, Senior Scientist, Dr.Priya. P. Gurav, Senior Scientist.

During the programme, farmers were sensitized about the anticipated El Niño conditions, their likely impact on agriculture, and appropriate crop management strategies to minimize climate-related risks. The scientists emphasized climate-resilient farming practices and advised farmers on suitable adaptation measures for sustaining productivity under changing weather conditions.

Under the SC Sub Plan, bullock-drawn planters, hand weeders, seedlings of mango, lemon, guava, pomegranate and bio-fertilizers were distributed to eligible beneficiary farmers to strengthen farm mechanization and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Also distributed soil testing awareness folder to increase awareness of farmers regarding soil health improvement with balanced fertilization. Scientists of ICAR -CRIDA also focused on the importance of growing millets and growing nutri- gardens in their backyard. The farmers also sensitized on rainwater harvesting, agroforestry and use of biofertizers to increase crop productivity.

The event was also attended by Shri Veershetty Rathod, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Chincholi; Dr.R.L Jadhav,AEEC, Kalabhavi, Mr. Imran Ali, Agriculture Officer; Mr.Abhilash, Agriculture Officer, Mr.Guru Prasad, Agricultural Officer, along with other public representatives

A large number of farmers from Kusarampalli, Shivreddpalli, Chindanoor and neighbouring villages actively participated in the programme.

Programme ended by vote of thanks with Dr.Priya G. Gurav, Senior Scientist.

As part of Institute SC Sub Plan program for Kharif 2026, ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture organized farmers and Scientists interaction programme on 19th June, 2026 in Chincholi taluka of Kalaburgi district (Karnataka). During this programme seed distribution program on for demonstrating 1000 kg of improved variety of redgram seed (GRG-152) covering 200 households in Kusarampally tanda and Shivreddipally villages of Chincholi taluka of Kalaburgi district (Karnataka).In addition to this, 200 kg biofertilizer (Phosphobacteria) was distributed for its application to improvise soil health and crop growth both.

Earlier of this month (05th June, 2026), an awareness campaign on ‘Balanced use of Fertilizer under Kheti Bachav Abhiyan’ was organized in these villages where Dr Priya Gurav (Sr Scientist, Soil Science) demonstrated and explained about procedure for application of biofertilizer and the same has been requested to follow. Dr. R. V. Adake (Principal Scientist),and Dr. K. B. Sridhar (Sr Scientist) were coordinated in organizing this program.