Training Programmes on Agroforestry systems in Bhadradri Kothagudem district under TSP on 23 and 24th Feb 2024

Two training programmes were organized by Dr. A.V. Ramanjaneyulu, PS (Agro.) & Head, AICRP on Agroforestry, Rajendranagar in Bhadradri Kothagudem district under Tribal Sub-plan 2023-24 in co-ordination with Samporrna Grama Swaraj (SSGS), an NGO funded by ITC pvt, Ltd., A training cum field day was conducted at Rythuvedika in Patwarigudem (near Arlapenta village), Dammapeta mandal involving 41 tribal farmers from 8 villages on 23-02-2024. Mr. Ch. Sateesh Kumar, Project Officer and Mr. P. Ramesh, Community officer of SSGS have narrated about their Agroforestry promotional activities in the district. After understanding the problems being faced by farmers in adoption of different agroforestry systems, Dr. A.V. Ramanjaneyulu has explained them about the best silvicultural practices including site selection, quality planting material, profitable intercrops, water, nutrient and weed management in eucalyptus, bamboo, sandalwood, soapnut, oilpalm besides machines for crop/tree residue management. After that, Dr. V. Lakshminarayanamma, Programme Co-ordinator, KVK, Kothagudem gave a detailed account of integrated pest and disease management in oilplam (spiralling whitefly, rat menace, root rot etc.,), maize (fall army worm), cotton (leafy diseases and wilt), rice (blast, BLB) etc., A training of trainer’s was conducted for Master trainers on 24-02-2024 at SSGS NGO office involving 20 SSGS officers from 12 mandals of the district. After taking feed back from these representatives, Dr. Ramanjaneyulu enlightened them about sustainable and profitable agroforestry models, suitable soil, quality seedlings, age based intercrops, agronomic aspects in eucalyptus, bamboo, sandalwood, soapnut, jamun, Taiwan guava, custrd apple etc., Further, the importance of value addition in bamboo, soapnut, sandalwood and the need for consortium of industrial agroforestry (CIAF) was also disucssed. Dr. V. Lakshminarayanamma spoke on low cost integrated pest and disease management strategies in various trees and crops. Mr. B. Shiva, SMS, KVK, Kothagudem has explained about best bet practices in oilpalm and the related success stories.