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

The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan is a comprehensive national initiative aimed at modernizing Indian agriculture through scientific outreach, sustainable practices, and the empowerment of farmers. It seeks to encompass over 65,000 villages across 723 districts and is anticipated to directly involve more than 1.3crore farmers, encouraging the adoption of scientific farming methods and fostering sustainable agricultural development. This initiative aligns with the vision of transforming India into the “Food Basket of the World” through agriculture.  The Honourable Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, inaugurated the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ on 29th May 2025.

On May 29 2025, the KVK Krishnagiri organized the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan programme at Periyamuthur village, with the objective of empowering farmers through exposure to advanced agricultural technologies, government schemes, and sustainable farming practices. The event witnessed the active participation of experts from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Sugarcane Breeding Research Institute. The programme aimed to create awareness among farmers about the benefits of adopting modern agricultural techniques such as precision farming, drip irrigation, and scientific crop management. Special emphasis was laid on the use of Soil Health Cards, which provide crucial information on soil nutrient status, pH, and fertility levels. Farmers were educated on how these cards could help in optimal fertilizer application, cost reduction, and increased crop productivity. The session also introduced farmers to key central government initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) and the Soil Health Card Scheme. These schemes offer financial support, crop insurance, and technical assistance, enabling farmers to make a shift towards sustainable and profitable agriculture. Pamphlets detailing these schemes were distributed during the event. A notable feature of the programme was the demonstration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools. Experts showcased mobile applications and digital platforms that deliver real-time information on weather forecasts, soil moisture content, and market prices. These tools were highlighted as crucial enablers for data-driven decision-making in agriculture. The participation of ICAR and Sugarcane Breeding Research Institute scientists significantly enriched the event. They presented the latest research findings and technologies, addressed farmer queries, and provided tailored recommendations to suit local farming conditions.The programme concluded on a high note, marking it as a successful initiative in promoting farmer awareness, technological adoption, and access to government resources. It underscored the vital role of collaboration between KVKs, research institutions, and government bodies in ensuring sustainable agricultural development and improving farmer livelihoods.  

On 19th May 2025, the Tamil Nadu Board of Rural Development (TNBRD) organized a Mega Farmers’ Workshop on “Promotion of Millets Cultivation” at Krishnagiri. The event was coordinated under the guidance of Dr. Sundarraj, who played a key role in planning and executing the program. Around 200 farmers from various parts of the district participated with great enthusiasm to learn about millet cultivation techniques, value addition, and sustainable farming practices. Dr. Govindhan, Assistant Professor from TNAU, Regional Research Station, Paiyur, delivered an insightful technical session on natural and eco-friendly practices in millet cultivation. He focused on pest and disease management using indigenous methods, emphasizing the use of botanical extracts, bio-pesticides, and crop rotation to enhance resilience. His talk inspired farmers to adopt cost-effective and sustainable practices, reducing dependence on chemical inputs. Dr. Parasuraman, Professor at TNAU, Coimbatore, presented a detailed lecture on “Integrated Crop Management (ICM) in Millets”. He elaborated on the importance of selecting high-quality seeds, appropriate seed treatment methods, optimal sowing time, plant population maintenance, and crop age management. He also introduced farmers to new high-yielding millet varieties developed by TNAU, encouraging them to adopt these for better productivity and profitability. His session helped farmers understand the holistic approach to millet cultivation, right from sowing to harvest. Mr. Patchiyappan, Joint Director of Agriculture, Krishnagiri, spoke about the nutritional and health benefits of millets. He stressed the role of millets in combating lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and obesity and urged farmers not only to cultivate millets but also to include them in their daily diets. His motivating words, “For a healthy living, eat more millets,” struck a chord with the audience. He also encouraged farmers to tap into the growing demand for millets in urban markets. Dr. Sundarraj addressed the importance of expanding millet cultivation in the Krishnagiri district. He explained which millet varieties—such as finger millet (ragi), little millet, and pearl millet—are best suited for the local agro-climatic conditions. He also provided strategies for increasing the area under millet cultivation, including intercropping, organic farming techniques, and efficient water use. His vision for making Krishnagiri a model district for millet production was well received by the farmers. Mr. Gunasekar, Subject Matter Specialist (Soil Science), educated farmers on soil nutrient management specific to millet crops. He discussed soil testing, the importance of balanced fertilization, and the use of organic manures like farmyard manure, compost, and green manure. He emphasized improving soil health to ensure long-term productivity and sustainability. At the conclusion of the workshop, Mr. Patchiyappan released a technical handbook titled “Millet Cultivation Techniques,” which was distributed to all participants. Furthermore, TNBRD provided essential farm tools—including spades, hand hoes, battery-operated sprayers, and sickles—to all 200 farmers. This timely support was particularly beneficial to BPL farmers, helping them adopt improved cultivation practices. The event was widely appreciated and will be remembered as a significant step toward reviving and promoting millet farming in the region.

KVK celebrated Poshan Pakhwada from April 8th till 22nd onwards at Various Anganwadi’s centres of Krishnagiri block (Kammampalli, Maharajakadai, Melrikottai, Chinthagampalli, Melkaradikuri) in coordination with Integrated Child Development Services to create awareness on the Maternal health and good nutrition up to 1000 days and its importance for healthy development of child. Created awareness on management of malnutrition and the vulnerable groups, through diet diversity and balanced food groups and its indicators through exhibitions of food stuffs, locally available fruits and vegetables. Awareness created on Nutrigarden at the homestead for intake of balanced nutrition. The enrollment of beneficiaries through poshan tracker to utilize the services for the betterment of women and child. Project officers of ICDS, Grade Supervisors and Anganwadi workers participated and coordinated the programme. Beneficiaries included antenatal mothers, postnatal mothers, adolescent girls, pre-school children.