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.

The Department of Agriculture organized a District Level Millet Mela-cum-Exhibition on 18.02.2026 at Shoolagiri village in coordination with the Krishi Vigyan Kendra. The District Collector presided over the programme and emphasized the importance of promoting millets as climate-resilient crops that ensure nutritional security and sustainable farming practices. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Subject Matter Specialist (Agronomy) given technical talk on climate-resilient agriculture, natural and organic farming techniques, and improved millet cultivation practices to enhance productivity and soil health. The Subject Matter Specialist (Home Science) delivered an informative session on post-harvest management of millets and highlighted various value addition techniques to increase farmers’ income through millet-based products. An exhibition stall showcased major ragi varieties along with a wide range of value-added millet products, attracting significant interest from farmers and visitors. The programme witnessed the active participation of the Joint Director of Agriculture, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Block Assistant Directors of Agriculture (ADAs), Agricultural Officers (AOs), Assistant Agricultural Officers (AAOs), Block Technology Managers (BTMs), and Assistant Technology Managers (ATMs). In total, 350 farmers and stakeholders participated in the programme, making it a grand success.

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.