Hyderabad, Apr 6 (TNT): International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), in collaboration with the Government of Telangana, on Monday commenced a two-day training programme on soil health management at its headquarters in Patancheru, aimed at equipping farmers with sustainable agricultural practices.
The initiative, aligned with the state’s “Telangana Rising” vision, is training over 120 farmers and frontline stakeholders from Kodangal with practical tools to improve soil health, optimise input use and promote crop diversification, the Institute said in a release here.
The inaugural session was attended by State Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University Vice Chancellor Dr D. Raji Reddy, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University Director of Research Prof. Balram Marathi, Telangana Horticulture Director Ms Yasmeen Basha, and Agricultural Production Commissioner and Agriculture Secretary K. Surendra Mohan.
ICRISAT Director General Himanshu Pathak stressed that improving soil health requires strong alignment between science, policy and field-level implementation, along with crop diversification through millets, pulses and oilseeds.
The Minister highlighted the importance of leveraging scientific expertise and institutional partnerships to promote sustainable farming, reduce dependency on chemical fertilisers and improve productivity while lowering costs for farmers.
Officials said the programme combines classroom sessions with hands-on laboratory and field training, including soil testing, nutrient management, composting, bio-inputs and regenerative practices.
The initiative will also promote Soil Health Card-based advisories and is expected to be expanded across the state in phases to benefit more farmers.
The programme aims to strengthen soil health systems in Telangana, supporting resilient agriculture, improved productivity and sustainable livelihoods.
TNT TS
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