Dr Sangappa Assumes Charge, Sets Focus on Farmer-Centric Extension at ICAR–KVK Kodagu

16 September 2026, Gonikoppal, Kodagu

Dr Sangappa assumed the responsibilities of Senior Scientist-cum-Head, ICAR–KVK Kodagu, following the handover of charge by Dr Muralidhara B. M., Senior Scientist & Head, CHES, Chettalli, marking a new phase in strengthening farmer-oriented agricultural extension, technology dissemination and capacity-building initiatives in the district.

On his first day, Dr Sangappa interacted with the scientists, technical, administrative and supporting staff of the KVK to understand the ongoing activities, responsibilities, achievements and challenges. Emphasising teamwork and coordination, he encouraged the staff to share their experiences and suggestions and stressed the importance of making extension programmes more responsive to the needs of the farming community.

As part of the programme, Dr Tusar Kanti Behera, Director, ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, participated virtually and congratulated Dr Sangappa on his new responsibility. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the need for active technology licensing, dissemination and wider promotion of ICAR technologies for greater farmer adoption. He also stressed collaborative programmes with ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities and line departments.

Dr Prabhakar M, Director, ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone XI, Bengaluru, emphasised the importance of documenting and promoting GI products of Kodagu, along with strengthening skill development, entrepreneurship and incubation activities at the KVK.

Continued technical and administrative support was assured, with emphasis on teamwork and coordination among KVK staff. The programme also highlighted millet promotion, value addition and entrepreneurship, along with the suggestion to establish a natural farming products sales counter under NMNF. The FPO NEST Team of ICAR–IIMR, Hyderabad, participated virtually in the programme, further strengthening institutional linkages with ICAR–KVK Kodagu.

Dr Sangappa reviewed the ongoing activities of the KVK, including training and capacity-building programmes, technology demonstrations, farmer advisory services, field interventions and stakeholder linkages, and assessed the existing facilities for further strengthening.

Drawing upon his experience in agricultural extension, millet technology dissemination, FPO development, value addition and rural entrepreneurship, he emphasized strengthening collaboration with ICAR institutes and other research and development organizations for effective technology dissemination and capacity building of farmers in Kodagu. A key focus will be on reaching small and marginal farmers, SC/ST communities, women, SHGs and FPOs through targeted training, demonstrations, value addition and entrepreneurship initiatives.

Dr Sangappa expressed his commitment to developing ICAR–KVK Kodagu as a dynamic, farmer-centric centre promoting climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture, millet and high-value crop promotion, FPO and SHG development, technology dissemination and stronger farmer–scientist linkages, with collective efforts aimed at creating inclusive, sustainable and market-oriented livelihood opportunities for farming communities.