115th FoCARS Industrial, Market and Field Exposure Visit Organised

14-16 November 2025, Hyderabad

ICAR–National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, organized a multi-dimensional Field, Industrial, and Market Exposure Visit for the 115th Foundation Course for Agricultural Research Service (FoCARS) probationers from 14 to 16 November 2025. The programme was designed to provide hands-on understanding of industrial operations, commodity markets, value-addition units, livestock systems, and ongoing research across key agricultural sectors.

The exposure began with a visit to the Tobacco Auction Platform at Vellampalli, where probationers observed auction mechanisms and market linkages. This was followed by an industrial visit to Dhanalaxmi Textile Industry for insights into textile processing and fibre handling, and subsequently to a major tobacco processing unit for an overview of large-scale value-addition processes. At the Cattle Breeding Station in Chadalawada, Ongole, participants learned about breeding strategies, livestock management, and extension initiatives.

On the second day, the group visited a leading aquaculture enterprise engaged in seafood processing and feed production, followed by exposure to industrial-scale tobacco threshing operations at BKT Tobacco Threshing Factory. The visits to ICAR–National Institute for Research on Commercial Agriculture (NIRCA), Regional Station Kandukur, and KVK, Kandukur offered insights into ongoing research, crop improvement programmes, and technology dissemination. The day also included a visit to a chilli processing unit to observe cleaning, grading, and spice value-addition technologies.

The programme concluded with visits to ICAR–NIRCA, Rajahmundry, where probationers learned about research advancements in commercial crops, and the renowned Kadiyam Nursery, known for large-scale ornamental and horticultural production.

The comprehensive exposure enabled ARS probationers to gain a holistic understanding of market dynamics, industrial processes, value chains, research–industry linkages, and enterprise management across diverse sectors including textiles, livestock, aquaculture, horticulture, spices, and commercial crops.

(Source: ICAR–National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad)