ICAR–IIMR, Hyderabad & KVK Ramanagara Strengthen Millet Farming among Tribal Farmers

A one-day training programme on “Millets Awareness and Input Distribution” was successfully organized by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ramanagara under the GCOE–TSP initiative of ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad. The programme focused on promoting millet cultivation, strengthening farmers’ technical knowledge, and encouraging sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

The programme emphasized the importance of millets in promoting sustainable agriculture, enhancing climate resilience, and ensuring nutritional security, while encouraging farmers to adopt improved cultivation practices. Capacity-building sessions were conducted by subject matter experts from the College of Horticulture, Bagalkot, focusing on key aspects of millet-based farming through structured and application-oriented discussions.

Sessions covered plant health management, including symptom-based identification of major pests and diseases in millets, along with integrated and cost-effective control measures for efficient crop protection. Deliberations on enterprise development highlighted value chain approaches, market linkages, and entrepreneurial opportunities to improve farmers’ income and livelihoods. The nutritional and functional benefits of millets were also discussed, with a focus on their role in addressing micronutrient deficiencies and promoting dietary diversification for better health outcomes.

Technical guidance was provided on advanced production practices, including improved varieties, scientific crop management, and resource optimization techniques to enhance productivity. Insights into organic farming systems were also shared, covering certification procedures and strategies to access niche markets through sustainable practices. The programme was effectively coordinated, ensuring smooth execution of sessions, active farmer participation, and successful implementation of training activities along with input distribution.

The programme recorded enthusiastic participation from around 50 tribal farmers, reflecting strong interest and engagement in millet-based interventions. To ensure effective on-ground implementation, a wide range of essential inputs was distributed, including Ragi (KMR-316) seeds, field bean (HA-5) seeds, biofertilizers such as Trichoderma, Pseudomonas, MC, Rhizobium, Azospirillum and PSB, along with baskets, training kits, and a technical extension bulletin titled “Siridhanyagala Belegalali Nuthana Uthpadana Thanthrikathegalu, Samskarane Mathu Moulyavardhane.” These inputs are expected to facilitate the adoption of improved technologies and enhance productivity at the field level.

The programme was implemented under the guidance of Dr C. Tara Satyavathi, Director, ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad, and significantly contributed to strengthening farmers’ capacities, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and advancing millet-based livelihood and nutritional security initiatives.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Hyderabad)