Khet Bachao Abhiyan and Kharif Monsoon Campaign organized at Gangavathi on 19 June 2026

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Gururaj Sunkad, Director of Education, UAS Raichur, who attended as the Chief Guest. Addressing the farmers, he emphasized the need to modify cropping systems in response to climate change and rising temperatures. Dr. Sunkad urged farmers to focus on processing, value addition, new technologies, and integrated farming systems rather than concentrating solely on crop production, in order to achieve higher income.

In his introductory address, Dr. Raghavendra Yaligar, Senior Scientist and Head, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, stated that soil fertility has been declining in recent years and that farmers are increasingly facing yield losses due to mono-cropping practices. He also advised farmers to explore alternative nutrient sources, including organic and biological inputs, in view of fertilizer shortages. Mr. Shekhar Gowda Malipatil, President of the Koppal District Farmers' Association, emphasized the importance of periodic soil and water testing. He advocated for greater adoption of organic farming practices to maintain soil fertility and stated that farmers can achieve higher incomes when agriculture is approached as an industry.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Tipperudraswamy, former President of CADA, suggested that commercial and horticultural crops could be cultivated as alternatives to paddy in water-scarce conditions. Shri Yogesh, Senior Assistant Director of Horticulture, Gangavathi, provided information on various schemes and facilities available to farmers through the Horticulture Department. Mr. Sharanappa Gaddi, President of the Farmers' Association, Hulihaidar, discussed the challenges and problems faced by farmers in agriculture.

The programme was presided over by Dr. Yanjerappa S. T., Special Officer, College of Agriculture, Gangavathi. Other dignitaries present included Shri Channappa Malagi, President, T.A.P.C.M.S., Gangavathi; Dr. Abhilasha C. R., Assistant Director of Agriculture, Gangavathi; Shri Mahesh D. K., Deputy Manager, Paradeep Phosphates Ltd., Gangavathi; Shri Raghavendra, Field Officer, ISHTO, Koppal; Shri Kanakappa Malagavi, President, District Youth Farmers' Society; and Shri Sharanappa Hudejali, President, Taluk Farmers' Society, Kanakagiri.

During the technical session, Dr. Mahesha B., Senior Scientist (Plant Pathology), delivered a lecture on the diagnosis and management of viral diseases in horticultural crops. Dr. Rajashankar, Principal Scientist (Horticulture), and Dr. Abhishek Mandal, Senior Scientist (Agro-chemistry), also associated equally in the programme and coordinated the distribution of ICAR-IIHR Arka Seed Kits to the farmers. Further, Dr.M.V.Dhananjaya, Dr.Shankar Hebbar and Dr.Senthil Kumar extended their necessary support for the program.

More than 80 farmers and farm women participated in the programme. The event concluded successfully with active participation from farmers and stakeholders from the agricultural sector.