Develop Farmer-Friendly Solutions to Tackle El Niño, Scientists Told

Vijayawada:Guntur district collector C.M. Saikanth Varma has called upon agricultural scientists to undertake research aimed at improving farm profitability through modern technologies and innovative practices, while developing solutions to help farmers cope with the challenges posed by the El Niño phenomenon.

Speaking at the 63rd foundation day celebrations of Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) at Lam near Guntur on Friday, Varma said the university had played a significant role in strengthening the country’s food security over the past 63 years. He described the presence of a nationally important agricultural university in Guntur district as a matter of pride.

The celebrations began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Collector along with former Nabard chairman Govindarajulu, ANGRAU Vice-Chancellor Dr P.V. Satyanarayana and Registrar A. Mani.

Addressing the gathering, Varma praised the university for developing innovative paddy varieties and urged scientists to focus on practical interventions and improvements in farming practices that could enhance farmers’ incomes. He also stressed the importance of value addition to agricultural produce to improve returns and create additional income opportunities.

Referring to the increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases, particularly cancer, the xollector said food habits play an important role in public health. He urged researchers to explore ways of promoting food-based health benefits while encouraging sustainable agriculture and reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers.

Highlighting the impact of extreme weather conditions and the El Niño phenomenon, Varma called for farmer-friendly technologies and practices to help cultivators adapt to rising temperatures. He assured the district administration’s support for such initiatives.

Vice-Chancellor Dr P.V. Satyanarayana outlined the university’s future plans, including crop diversification, increased cropping intensity and the development of nutrient-rich crop varieties. He said ANGRAU was exploring Artificial Intelligence-based solutions to address labour shortages in agriculture and was establishing Agri-Tech Skill and Incubation Centres across the state.

He added that efforts were under way to promote centres for the production of solid Jeevamrutham and other sustainable farming inputs.

On the occasion, scientist Dr Rani Chopra was honoured with a gold medal and memento for developing new crop varieties. Farmer Nagabhairava Srinivasa Rao of Chilakaluripet received the M.V. Reddy Memorial Award for his contributions to agriculture.

Scientists, students, farmers and alumni participated in the programme.