ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Krishnagiri, organized an Animal Health Campaign under the DAPSC/SCSP programme at Mittapalli village, Uthangarai block, on 24 December 2025. The campaign aimed at improving livestock health and enhancing the livelihood security of Scheduled Caste farmers through need-based veterinary interventions and awareness creation. The programme focused primarily on deworming of livestock, wherein experts emphasized the significance of regular deworming in improving animal health, growth, reproduction, and overall productivity. In addition, awareness sessions were conducted on mastitis prevention and tick management, addressing major health challenges commonly faced in dairy and small ruminant farming. The campaign benefited 46 farmers, covering 140 cattle and 90 goats. Practical, hands-on deworming demonstrations were carried out, enabling farmers to understand correct deworming practices. Interactive discussions allowed farmers to clarify doubts and gain practical insights into effective livestock management. The programme was conducted by a multidisciplinary team comprising the Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, Uthangarai, along with the Senior Scientist & Head, ICAR-KVK, Krishnagiri, and Subject Matter Specialists (SMS) from the disciplines of Animal Science, Agricultural Extension, and Soil Science.

TNBRD conducted a three-day skill training program for rural youth on Agri Drones from December 8th to 10th, 2025 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Thiruvannamalai. This initiative aimed to benefit farmers in the Thiruvannamalai district and was organized in collaboration with Hand in Hand India, NGO, Kanchipuram and EDLI, Chennai. The program began with a welcome address by Mr. V. Suresh, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK. The inaugural function featured participation from Dr. Y. Joe, President of Hand in Hand NGO and Mr. Sandeep Mukherjee who welcomed the special guests and outlined the objectives and significance of the training. Mr. S. Ramesh, President, Tamil Nadu Rural Development, presided over the event and delivered a special address highlighting the crucial role of drones in creating employment opportunities for youth. Mr. P. Chowthry, Programme Assistant, KVK provided comprehensive explanations and demonstrations on drone operation and effective handling including the application of pesticides and fertilizers on paddy crops. Practical training and demonstrations on drone operation were conducted by Mr. A. Maniraj, Sales Manager and Mr. M. Shahjahan, Drone Engineer, from Avionics Drone Company, Chennai. The training concluded with a valedictory function attended by Mr. Vijay M Neehar, NABARD, District Development Manager, Mr. Chandrasekhar, Mr. Sandha patil, Directors of Hand in Hand India, Mr. Selvakumar, Manager at Hand in Hand and also Subject Matter Specialists from KVK. A total of 31 youths from various villages in the Thiruvannamalai district participated in this training program and gained valuable insights. All trained youth received training certificates, inputs and handbooks.

ICAR-KVK, Krishnagiri celebrated World Soil Day 2025 on December 5, 2025, with the theme “Healthy soils for healthy cities”. The event was part of KVK’s extension activities, presided over by the Senior Scientist and Head, who highlighted the importance of soil conservation. The program saw participation from 125 attendees, including farmers and school students from Tiruppathur. The Subject Matter Specialist (Soil Science) delivered technical talks on soil testing, health management, organic farming, and the significance of World Soil Day. Other experts shared insights on organic farming practices, panchagavya preparation, and its applications. As part of the event, 10 Soil Health Cards were distributed to farmers, empowering them with soil-specific recommendations. The event aimed to raise awareness about maintaining healthy soils for sustainable agriculture and urban ecosystems.

TNBRD celebrated the World Soil Day on December 12, 2025 at Modaiyur village of  Chetpet block in Thiruvannamalai district with the participation of  52 farmers and farm women. The main aim of the event is to create awareness among the farmers on soil and water health to identify the deficiencies or excesses of plant nutrient in their field.  The program began with a welcome address by Mr. V. Suresh, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK. He detailed the importance of soil testing, water testing and soil test based fertilization for reducing the cropping expenses.                      Mr. P.Chowthry, Programme Assistant (Lab Technician), KVK Thiruvannamalai had convened the event in association with BTM and ATM of ATMA. During the event, a lecture on soil fertility management was delivered, alongside demonstrations of soil and water sampling procedures to the participants. Participants acquired important insights in applying fertilizers based on soil test results, which can lead to cost savings by preventing over-or under-fertilization. In total, 52 soil samples and 20 water samples were collected and analyzed, resulting in the issuance of soil health cards that included fertilizer recommendations based on Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) technology.

The Tamil Nadu Board of Rural Development conducted three separate Palmyrah seed planting initiatives as part of the Green Tamilnadu Mission, organized by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Thiruvannamalai, to promote awareness of sustainable agriculture among the public. The planting activities were coordinated with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Thiruvannamalai, ATMA and Government Higher Secondary Schools, facilitating exposure visits for school students to the KVK in Thiruvannamalai with support from the Tamil Nadu Board of Rural Development. These initiatives engaged KVK staff and school students from Government Higher Secondary Schools from Vembakkam, Cheyyar, Anakavour, Arni, Chetpet, Thellar, Vandavasi, Peranamallur block during their educational visits to the KVK. A total of 8355 Palmyrah seeds were planted along the lakeside and lake bunds of Kilnelli, Thiruvadirayapuram, Pillanthangal, Chithathur, Sanarapandai, Kanagampakkam, Kaganam, Karanthai, Namandi and Vembakkam villages of Thiruvannamalai district.

ICAR-KVK, Krishnagiri, organized a Farmers Scientist Interaction meeting at KVK Campus on October 15, 2025, bringing together experts from various departments to address farmers’ queries and concerns. The event featured esteemed guests, including Dr. Senthil Vinayagam, Head of Education System Management from NAARM, Hyderabad, Dr. M.S. Annesha Rani, Nodal Officer from HC and RI, Paiyur, Mr. K. Kalimuthu, Joint Director of Agriculture, Krishnagiri, Mr. S. Sivanathi, Deputy Director and PA to Collector (Agriculture), and Mrs. Punithavalli, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Krishnagiri. The meeting provided a platform for farmers to interact with scientists and officials, seeking solutions to their problems. Subject Matter Specialists from KVK also participated, offering expert advice and guidance. To support farmers in adopting improved agricultural practices, frontline demonstration materials were distributed, including Horsegram seeds, Paddy seeds, Horsegram wonder, and TANUVAS-PAM21. A total of 60 farmers benefited from the program, gaining valuable insights and resources to enhance their agricultural productivity. The event underscored the importance of farmer-scientist interaction in promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development. By addressing farmers’ concerns and providing them with necessary resources, the meeting contributed to the overall growth of the agricultural sector in the region.

ICAR KVK Thiruvannamalai organized a Kisan Mela aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of Tribal farmers and farm women under the TSP, in collaboration with the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Cochin, Kerala on 10.09.2025. The event was chaired by Mr. S. Ramesh, Chairman, Tamil Nadu Board of Rural Development. Dr. K. Mayakrishnan, Subject Matter Specialist (Animal Science) extended a warm welcome to all participants and lectured on various central and state government initiatives designed to improve the socio-economic conditions of Tribal farmers. Dr. V. Chandrasekhar, Principal Scientist, CIFT, Kerala participated as special guest and delivered a keynote address emphasizing the significance of fish farming and the employment opportunities. Mrs. T. Margaret, Subject Matter Specialist (Home Science) informed the farmers about the production of value-added products in fish-based foods and their importance. Mr. R. Vijayakumar, Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture) offered scientific guidance on various queries from farmers regarding the cultivation of fruit crops. The chief guests distributed five coracles, four deep freezer boxes, two mobile carts and tamarind pulping machine to cooperative farmers’ society for the upliftment of their lives by doing fish catching and value added products.  Mrs. Lavanya, Assistant Director of Horticulture and Mr. Jayabalan, Field Director, SST trust participated. A total of 150 farmers and farm women from different villages were attended the event.

The ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Krishnagiri, participated in a District Level Awareness Programme and Exhibition on Organic Farming held on August 6, 2025, at Sri Kumaran Mahal, Kuruparapalli. The event aimed to promote organic farming practices and raise awareness about the benefits of sustainable agriculture KVK’s Participation: The KVK organized an exhibition stall, showcasing various organic farming technologies and products. The stall was visited by notable dignitaries, including Thiru S. Dineshkumar, District Collector of Krishnagiri, and Thiru Y. Prakesh, Member of Lok Sabha, Hosur.  Dr.T.Sundarraj, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK explained the activities of KVK and technology products to the visitors, focusing on: Technical Talk on Organic Farming: As part of the event, Mr. T. I. Ramesh Babu, Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture) at KVK, delivered a technical talk on organic farming and natural farming. The talk highlighted the importance of sustainable agriculture practices and provided insights into the benefits of organic farming. Participation and Impact: The event attracted a total of 1000 participants, including farmers, agricultural experts, and students. The KVK’s participation in the event helped raise awareness about the importance of organic farming and sustainable agriculture practices in the region. By showcasing its technologies and products, the KVK aimed to promote the adoption of eco-friendly farming practices among local farmers.

The ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Krishnagiri organized the 31st All India Mango Exhibition at Kalaignar Thidal. The KVK stall showcased posters and products related to millet production techniques, the Ten Cent Model for fodder production, natural farming technologies, and millet value-added products. Fodder seeds were also displayed. The entire KVK staff participated, engaging with visitors and sharing knowledge on innovative agricultural practices. Notably, Mrs. Ranjini Murugan, a Self-Help Group (SHG) entrepreneur from Sempadamuthur village, participated in the mango-based value-added products competition. Trained by KVK, she won first prize and was honored by the District Collector of Krishnagiri. This achievement highlights the impact of KVK’s training and support in empowering local entrepreneurs. The event promoted agricultural innovation and showcased the district’s potential in mango cultivation and value addition, benefiting farmers and entrepreneurs alike. Overall, the exhibition was a success

All India Mango Exhibition is organized every year in Krishnagiri by District Administration. ICAR-KVK, Krishnagiri participates regularly in the exhibition to disseminate latest agriculture technology. 31st All India Mango Exhibition on June 21, 2025, at Kalaignar Thidal, Krishnagiri. The event featured a KVK exhibition stall, inaugurated by Mr. R. Sakkarapani, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, and District Collector, Krishnagiri. During the exhibition, the Senior Scientist and Head showcased KVK’s activities and technology products, focusing on Fruit Fly management and Micro Nutrient Management in Mango. The stall also displayed posters and products related to millet production techniques, the Ten Cent Model for fodder production, natural farming technologies, and millet value-added products. Fodder seeds were also showcased. The entire KVK staff participated in the event, engaging with visitors and sharing knowledge on innovative agricultural practices. The exhibition aimed to promote sustainable agriculture, improve farmer livelihoods, and highlight the importance of technology in agriculture