ICAR-IIOR Hosts Castor Seed Mela and Farmer-Scientist Interaction in Andhra Pradesh

On May 30, 2024, ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR), in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Station in Anantapuramu and Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRU), Hyderabad, organized a Castor Seed Mela and Farmers-Scientists Interaction event at Rekulakunta, Anantapuramu, Andhra Pradesh. This initiative aimed to promote the cultivation of castor seeds and enhance farmer-scientist interactions for improved agricultural practices.

Dr. R.K. Mathur, Director of ICAR-IIOR, highlighted the importance of providing farmers with timely access to high-quality oilseed seeds. He elaborated on the significant potential for expanding castor cultivation in the state, assuring the attendees—including farmers, agricultural department officers, and scientists—that ICAR-IIOR is committed to supporting the deployment of newly released castor hybrids, ICH-66 and ICH-5, specifically tailored for the region’s farmers.

Uma Maheshwari, Joint Director of Agriculture for the Government of Andhra Pradesh, underscored the ongoing shift among farmers in the district from groundnut to castor crops. This transition is largely driven by the high cultivation costs associated with groundnut farming, making castor a more economically viable option.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from farmers across various mandals of Anantapuramu, who engaged in meaningful discussions with the scientists from ICAR-IIOR and ANGRU. These interactions provided a platform for farmers to gain insights into advanced agricultural practices and the benefits of adopting new castor hybrids.

A total of 120 farmers attended the event, reflecting a growing interest in castor cultivation within the region. The Castor Seed Mela not only facilitated the dissemination of crucial agricultural knowledge but also fostered a collaborative environment where farmers could directly interact with experts to address their concerns and receive guidance on best practices.

With the adoption of enhanced castor seed types, ICAR-IIOR and its partners hope to empower farmers with the knowledge and resources they need to increase production and profitability.