Field day on Groundnut digger and shaker at Ammapuram, Chinna Chintakunta Mandal, Mahabubnagar district and 05.01.2024

A field day was conducted on groundnut mechanization to demonstrate the groundnut digger and shaker for groundnut harvesting at Allipur village, Bijinepally Mandal, Nagarkurnool district and 10.01.2024. The programme was started with inviting the dignitaries on to the dias by Mrs. N. Navatha, Scientist (Agronomy). In this context Dr. M. Mallareddy, ADR, RARS, Palem was clearly explained about differences between manual harvesting when compared to groundnut digger also emphasized on cost, risk reduction process. He also addressed that importance of groundnut mechanization and directed the farmers to get updated with the new machinery available for the groundnut crop which are cost effective and efficient. Dr. T. Prabhakar Reddy, Programme co-ordinator, Palem elucidated ideal soil texture, structure, bulk density moisture content by using moisture meter, depth of harvesting, RPM of PTO shaft, vehicle speed needed for good harvest of groundnut crop. Dr. Ram Reddy, Scientist (Plant Breeding), described about different varieties available in groundnut and briefed about Girnar-4 variety. N. Navatha. Scientist, (Agronomy), RARS, Palem explained about the mechanization is the need of the day and farmer have to know the available improved machinery and learn skills to operate them. She also explained about the labour scarcity and future need of mechanization. Dr. D. Vijayalakshmi, Scientist (Soil Science), explained about the nutrient management in groundnut crop and soil moisture percentage which is required for the digger operation. Mrs. K. Sravanti, Scientist (Plant Breeding), briefed about the groundnut varieties and quality seed use to raise groundnut crop. Mr. K. Ramakrishna, SMS (Crop production), KVK, Palem stressed on importance and improved production technology in groundnut and also informed that no farm implement is successful unless and until we learn to make necessary adjustments and acquire the skills to operate them. Sri. Venugopal farmer and other farmers had shared their experience and the groundnut digger and shaker. Farmers showed lot of interest about this programme and participated actively in the demonstration programme. Smt. Nithi (Mandal agriculture Officer), Sri. Madhu (Agriculture extension officer) and a total of 65 farmers participated in this programme.