Awareness programme on Soil Health Management and Inauguration of Agrometeorological Observatory on 08-03-2021 at ARS, Tornala

An awareness programme on ‘Soil Health Management’ was organised by ARS, DAATTC, Tornala and Krishitantra team (a startup company) on 08-03-2021 at ARS, Tornala. Dr. R. Jagadeeshwar, Director of Research, PJTSAU has attended as a Chief Guest along with Dr. R. Uma Reddy, ADR, RARS, Warangal, Dr. A.V. Ramanjaneyulu, Senior Scientist (Agro.) & Head, ARS, Tornala, Dr. S. Sridevi, Principal, APT, Tornala, Mr. Sandeep Kondaji, Founder and CEO of Krishitantra, Nayeem Pasha, member of Krishitantra team, Mr. P. Shravan Kumar, DAO, Siddipet. The scientists from ARS and DAATTC, Tornala and Agricultural Officers and Agricultural Extension Officers of Siddipet district and farmers from various villages of the district have attended this programme. At the outset, Dr. A.V. Ramanjaneyulu, gave an overview of the programme with main emphasis on soil health and its management, soil and moisture conservation aspects, farm pond technology, research, extension and seed production activities of ARS, Tornala. Mr. Sandeep Kondaji explained in detail regarding objectives of Krishitantra startup and working procedure of Krishi Rastra instrument for rapid soil testing and dissemination of results and about cycle rally from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. After that, Dr. S. Sridevi discussed in brief about activities of Agricultural Polytechnic and employment opportunities for students. Mr. P. Shravan Kumar discussed elaborately about the importance of soil testing, crop rotation, legumes, organic manures and various initiatives taken by the Government of Telangana to improve soil health. Further, Dr. R. Uma Reddy explained in detail about need for better crop residue management and soil test based nutrient application. Later, Hon'ble Director of Research, Dr. R. Jagadeeshwar explained about MoU between PJTSAU and Krishitantra and their enthusiasm to serve the farmers through better soil testing services. Further, he also praised the staff and students of ARS, DAATTC and APT Tornala for the fast development achieved in a short time. Later, three innovative farmers from Siddipet district were felicitated for their contribution towards soil health management and seed production. The Director of Research also inaugurated an exhibition stall where in information in Telugu on principles of dry land agriculture, problematic soils and their reclamation, construction of farm ponds, usage of green manures and green leaf manure crops, awareness on soil test based fertilizer recommendation, deficiency chart of nutrients and procedure of soil sampling for laboratory analysis etc., were depicted. All the students of APT, Tornala, farmers and officers of the programme visited the stall. The newly established Agro-meteorological observatory at ARS, Tornala was inaugurated on the hands of the Director of Research, PJTSAU along with the ADR, RARS, Warangal and Sr. Scientist (Agro.) & Head, ARS, Tornala and staff of ARS and DAATTC, Tornala. Later, farm ponds, fish ponds, seed godown and research experiments were shown to the dignitaries.