Rythu Nestham Live Programme (Episode-30 dt 29.10.2024), on Precautions to be taken during harvesting of cotton & paddy crops and Rabi Maize Cultivation

Rythu Nestam Live video conferencing 30th episode was conducted live from Electronic Wing Studio of PJTAU on 29-10-2024 from 10.00 AM – 11.30 AM. The program commenced with the explanation of Dr. R. Uma Reddy, Associate Director of Research (ADR), Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS),Warangal. He has emphasized on nursery management in paddy and precautions to be taken during harvesting of cotton & paddy crops to obtain more yields as well as quality crop produce to gain high market price to their produce. Similarly, he has requested to cease burning of crop residue and as it may lead to negative effects on soil health and environmental pollution. Also, he has highlighted about incorporation of crop residue in the soil and use of different farm machinery available for cutting of crop residue in to small pieces for speedy decomposition and enhancing soil carbon to improve the soil health thereby minimizing the investment on chemical fertilizers for agriculture. Followed by a progressive Farmers Sri. Kotla Balakista Reddy garu, Syedpally village, Parigi Mandal, Vikarabad District shared his experience in yasangi maize cultivation. Later Dr. M.V. Nagesh Kumar Principal Scientist (Maize), Maize Research Centre (MRC), ARI, Rajendra nagar gave a presentation on package of practices to be followed in yasangi Maize cultivation. In his presentation he mentioned about suitable maize varieties for yasangi cultivation, different sowing methods, fertilizer, water and weed management practices, and pest management. Specifically he mentioned the significance of fertilizer application and irrigation at critical stages as this is a nutrient responsive crop. Further, Dr. B. Gopi, IAS, Director of Agriculture. He has instructed the officers of agriculture department for more farmer mobilization to this programme and importance of Rythu Nestham live video conference in disseminating the new agriculture technologies in real time farm solutions through virtual mode. In continuation of the program Smt. Padma Harsha, Deputy Director (Marketing) & Sri. P. Chandra Sekhar Manager (Procurement), MARKFED participated in this programme and explained about FAQ norms for Procurement of Cotton, Maize, Soybean and Greengram. Programme concluded with discussion among scientists and farmers from different Rythu vedikas across the state on questions raised by the farmers. The programme was attended by Dr. M. Sreenivasulu, Coordinator of the Electronic Wing, along with his team from PJTAU and Officials from Directorate of Agriculture and Department of Agriculture and 11858 farmers from 566 Rythu Vedikas across the state.