ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Krishnagiri actively participated in the 32nd All India Mango Exhibition, organized by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, held at Government Arts College, Krishnagiri on 10.7.2026. KVK established an exhibition stall to showcase innovative agricultural technologies and extension activities aimed at improving farm productivity and income. The KVK exhibition stall was inaugurated by the District Collector, Krishnagiri, and the Hon’ble Member of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), Krishnagiri and Uthangarai, in the presence of officials from various line departments, scientists, progressive farmers, and members of the public. During the visit, Dr. T. Sundarraj, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Krishnagiri, briefed the dignitaries on the major activities and achievements of the KVK. He also demonstrated KVK-developed technologies, with special emphasis on Fruit Fly Management in Mango and Micronutrient Management in Mango, highlighting their role in enhancing fruit quality, reducing yield losses, and improving orchard productivity. The stall attracted a large number of farmers, students, entrepreneurs, and visitors. The major technologies and products displayed included millet production technologies, the Ten Cent Model for Fodder Production, natural farming technologies through informative posters, millet value-added products, and quality fodder seeds. Scientists interacted with visitors, answered their technical queries, and distributed extension literature to promote the adoption of scientific and climate-resilient agricultural practices among the farming community.

KVK organized an input demonstration event at Jawathu Hills as part of the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) initiative on 15th July 2026. Mr. V. Suresh, Senior Scientist and Head, presided over the event, providing insights into the schemes implemented by KVK for the benefit of tribal communities. Dr. K. Mayakrishnan, SMS Animal Science, explained about the mineral mixture demonstrated its application for both small and large ruminants, as well as the management of repeat breeding in cows. Mrs. M. Ishwarya, SMS Agronomy, demonstrated cultivation techniques for little millet, finger millet, horsegram, groundnut and paddy. She has provided critical inputs for the demonstration to 100 tribal families to enhance the livelihood security of tribal communities. Mrs. T. Margaret, SMS Home Science, established Nutri Gardens for 50 tribal women to improve household nutritional security. She demonstrated 50 Nutri Garden seed kits containing vegetable seeds to facilitate vegetable cultivation in available household spaces. Additionally, she set up 100 vermicompost production units with 300 Kgs of vermiworms to 50 tribal farmers for quality vermicompost production to assist and promote organic farming practices. A total of 250 tribal families were benefitted out of the above activities.

ICAR-KVK, Krishnagiri organized a One Day Workshop on Balanced Use of Fertilizer / Natural Farming under Khet Bachao Abhiyan on 18.06.2026 at Denkanikottai, Kelamangalam Block, with the objective of creating awareness among farmers on soil health management, balanced nutrient use and sustainable agricultural practices for the protection and improvement of farm soils.Dr.T. Sundarraj, Senior Scientist and Head, welcomed the gathering and explained the programme details. The programme was inaugurated and presided over by Dr. Shaik.N.Meera, Director, ATARI Zone X, Hyderabad. In his presidential address Dr. Meera emphasized the need for farmers to reduce the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and adopt sustainable agricultural practices. He advocated the increased use of organic manures, biofertilizers, biocontrol agents, and quality seeds to improve soil health and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.Prior to the workshop, Dr. Meera visited a capsicum cultivation unit under a polyhouse and interacted with the farmer regarding cultivation practices, production performance, and cost of cultivation. Dr. K. Geetha, Professor & Head, Regional Research Station, TNAU, Paiyur insisted the farmers to use microbial cultures for the nutrient management and sustainable crop yields. Joint Director of Agriculture, Krishnagiri motivated the farmers to go for the Soil test-based fertilizer application for the soil health management. Dr. A. Thirumurgan, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Vellore stressed the farmers about importance of using biocontrol agents for effective management pest and disease in crops. Mrs. K. Uma, Joint Director of Agriculture explained the role of biofertilizers in maintaining soil health and informed farmers about the subsidized biofertilizer inputs available through the Department of Agriculture. Scientists from KVK Krishnagiri delivered technical sessions on the importance of soil testing, method of soil sample collection, the role of bio-manures, and their preparation techniques. The programme was also attended byMr. Xavier, Assistant Director of Agriculture, and Mrs. Ajila, Assistant Director of Horticulture, Kelamangalam. As part of the programme, Mucuna seeds and Daincha seeds were distributed to selected farmers to encourage the cultivation of green manure crops for improving soil organic matter and nutrient availability. Informational pamphlets on ‘Natural Farming’ were also distributed to all participating farmers to enhance their understanding of natural and sustainable farming practices. A total of 62 farmers participated in the workshop and benefited from the technical guidance and input support provided during the programme. The workshop created awareness among farmers on the importance of balanced fertilizer use, adoption of natural farming practices, and sustainable agricultural production systems, thereby contributing to the objectives of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan.

Krishi Vigyan Kendra had organized the Hon’ble PM’s event of Kisan Samman Nidhi live webcast programme at the KVK campus on 20th June 2026 in association with Department of Agriculture and farmers Welfare, Thiruvannamalai.  Mr.V.Suresh, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR KVK Thiruvannamalai presided over the event and gave a special speech on the importance of natural farming, promotion of organic farming and fertilizer management based on soil testing. During the event, the awareness on Khet Bachao Abhiyan, farmers were visited various demonstrations units in KVK instructional farm. Mrs.T.Margaret, SMS Home Science welcomed all the participants attended in the programme. Mr. P.Narayanan, SMS Plant Protection explained about pest and disease management, natural pest repellent preparation method and Mrs.M.Ishwarya, SMS Agronomy narrated about organic and natural farming. Mr.R. Vijayakumar SMS Horticulture briefed the role of natural farming in horticultural crops and the interacted with the farmers and clarified the doubts of the farmers. A progressive farmer Mr. P.Varadhan shared his experience in natural farming among the farmers. A total number 106 farmers from Vembakkam, Cheyyar and Anakavur blocks of Tiruvannamalai district were participated in this program.

ICAR – Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Krishnagiri organized an input distribution programme at Penneswarmadam on 08.05.2026 for the benefit of Scheduled Caste (SC) Self-Help Group (SHG) members under SCSP programme. During the programme, the Subject Matter Specialists of Soil Science and Agricultural Extension along with the Programme Assistant (Agricultural Engineering), explained the mandate, objectives, and various extension activities of KVK aimed at improving the livelihood and socio-economic status of farming communities, rural women, and rural youth. The officials highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship development, value addition, and small-scale enterprises as sustainable income-generating opportunities for rural women. Awareness was also created on the balanced and judicious use of fertilizers for maintaining soil health, improving crop productivity, and reducing unnecessary input costs. The participants were encouraged to adopt scientific agricultural practices and make effective use of the support provided through various developmental programmes. As part of the programme, Instant Rice Wet Grinders were distributed to the SC SHG members to promote self-employment opportunities and strengthen income generation activities among rural women. The beneficiaries expressed their interest in utilizing the equipment for small-scale food processing and value addition enterprises. A total of 20 participants attended and benefited from the programme.

An awareness and training programme on Organic Farming was successfully organized by ICAR – Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Krishnagiri, for farmers from Bapatla district of Andhra Pradesh at the KVK campus on 25.03.2026. The programme was presided over by the Senior Scientist and Head of KVK, who emphasized the significance of adopting organic farming practices for sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and improvement of soil fertility. He also explained the mandate of KVK and highlighted the various extension activities, demonstrations, and farmer-oriented programmes conducted regularly for enhancing farmers’ knowledge and skills.During the programme, Subject Matter Specialists delivered technical talks on important topics such as Soil Health Management, Organic Farming, Natural Farming, and Bio-input Production. Special emphasis was given to the preparation and use of organic inputs such as Panchagavya, Jeevamrutham, and Vermicompost, along with their role in improving crop growth and soil microbial activity. The experts also provided practical suggestions and recommended suitable remedial measures to address the field-level problems faced by the farmers. In addition, the participants were educated on fodder production techniques and the importance of maintaining quality fodder for supporting livestock-based farming systems. The programme was highly interactive, and farmers actively participated by sharing their experiences and clarifying their doubts. A total of 51 farmers attended the programme and benefited from the valuable technical knowledge and practical exposure provided during the training session.

The ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kilnelli, Thiruvannamalai has initiated an awareness campaign on balanced application of fertilizers in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and ATMA, commencing on 27th April 2026. This program included expert presentations that addressed vital agricultural practices such as appropriate soil sampling techniques, fertilizer application based on soil testing for effective soil health management, cultivation and advantages of green manure and use of green leaf manure for soil enrichment. Moreover, the programme aimed for creating organic inputs and the application of bio-fertilizers, as well as the strategic significance of plant growth regulators and micronutrient mixtures. Demonstrations on soil sampling techniques and actively encouraged the adoption of natural farming practices among the farmers. A total of 421 farmers and farm women participated from 10 blocks viz.,Anakavoor, Chetpet, Cheyyar, Kalasapakkam, Vandavasi, Arni, Kilpennathur, Thandrampet, Thurinjapuram, and Vembakkam.

The farmers exposure visit from Chithur, Andhra Pradesh to ICAR Krishi Vigyan Kendra Thiruvannamalai District, coordinated by Department of Agriculture, Andhra Pradesh was organized on 08th April 2026. The visit is designed to give farmers hands on experience and direct knowledge of modern agricultural techniques. The core approach is “Seeing is Believing” and “Learning by Doing,” allowing farmers to observe successful models and interact with scientists to solve practical farming problems.  The KVK, Thiruvannamalai has 37 demo unit in instructional farm. Dr.K.Mayakrishnan, SMS, Animal Science explained about Integrated Farming System (IFS) Model: A holistic model combining crops, livestock, and other components to maximize resource use and ensure year-round income and food security for small farmers. Also he briefed about Stall-fed Goat and Poultry Units: Model units for rearing 20 goats and 150 poultry birds, including a hatchery. These demonstrate improved breeds and scientific management practices for meat and egg production. Mrs.M.Shanthi (Farm Manager) narrated about vermicomposting Unit: A production unit capable of producing 2 tonnes of vermicompost per month, showcasing how to convert farm waste into high-quality organic manure and she explained how to cultivate Azolla, a fast-growing, protein-rich aquatic fern used as a highly nutritious and cost-effective feed for dairy cattle, poultry, and goats. Mr.P.Narayanan SMS Plant Protection dealt about mushroom production and demonstration unit, offering farmers an opportunity for a low-investment, high-return agri-business venture. Also he explained on Exotic Fruit Garden & Mist Chamber: An orchard with various fruit plants and a mist chamber unit that produces quality seedlings for farmers  This visit would have provided the 25 farmers from Chithur with a comprehensive, practical overview of technologies they can potentially adapt to improve productivity and profitability on their own farms.

ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra celebrated International Women’s Day on 8 March 2026 at the KVK campus, centered on the global theme “Rights, Justice, and Action for All Women and Girls”. The programme aimed to recognize the vital role of women in Agriculture and Empower rural women through awareness and knowledge sharing. The event was presided over by Dr. T. Sundarraj, Senior Scientist and Head, who emphasized the importance of Women’s Day and also elaborated on the relevance of the theme in ensuring equal opportunities, justice, and active participation of women in all sectors, especially Agriculture. Mrs. M. Punithavalli, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Krishnagiri Block, graced the occasion as the chief guest and sensitized participants about various state government schemes and support systems available for women in Agriculture and allied activities, encouraging them to utilize these benefits for improving their livelihood. Mrs. S. Poomathi, SMS (Home Science), delivered an insightful technical lecture highlighting women on the multifaceted personalities. She discussed their diverse roles, the importance of gender mainstreaming, and strategies for empowering rural women through sustainable livelihood opportunities.The programme also featured the felicitation of three successful women entrepreneursMrs. Girija from Mathur, Mrs. Sujatha from Periyakottapalli, and Mrs. K. Ammu from Kalliyur who shared their inspiring journeys. A total of 63 women actively participated, making the event impactful and enriching.

WANDIWASH, March 8, 2026 – To honor the spirit of female resilience and entrepreneurship, the ICAR Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Thiruvannamalai, in collaboration with Sri Akilandeswari Women’s College (SAWC), hosted a grand celebration for International Women’s Day today. The event, held at the SAWC campus, brought together 130 participants, including students, faculty, and local agricultural leaders, to discuss the evolving role of women in the modern economy. Focus on Agri-Business and Innovation The celebration went beyond ceremony, focusing on tangible economic empowerment. Experts delivered lectures on the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, highlighting the critical need for women’s inclusion in tech-driven agriculture. Key discussions centered on business avenues for students, specifically highlighting the untapped potential in agri-related enterprises. Speakers encouraged students to look toward value-addition and sustainable farming as viable career paths. Exhibition Showcases Local Talent A major highlight of the day was the exhibition organized by beneficiaries of the ICDS and MSME programs. The display featured: Honoring Local Trailblazers In a move to inspire the younger generation, three local success stories were put in the spotlight. KVK honored three prominent entrepreneurs for their exceptional contributions to the agricultural sector: These women were lauded for their dedication to building sustainable agri-enterprises and serving as role models for the Wandiwash community. Dignitaries in Attendance The event was graced by several prominent figures, including: The day concluded with a call to action for students to bridge the gap between traditional farming and modern business practices, ensuring a more equitable future for rural India.