Report on Program in Dharur Mandal, Vikarabad (17th Feb 2026)
The ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (ICAR-IIRR) successfully organised a “Farmer’s Awareness and Interaction Programme on Advancing Biofortified Rice Adoption under CRP on Biofortification–TSP” on 17th February 2026 in Dharur Mandal, Vikarabad District, Telangana. The programme was conducted for 200 tribal farmers across two Rythu Vedikas covering Dharur and Gurudotla clusters, aiming to enhance awareness and promote the adoption of biofortified rice varieties for improved nutritional security. The programme at Dharur cluster included farmers from Rampur (40 farmers); Dharur Station (30 farmers) and LN Thanda (30 farmers). The Gurudotla cluster programme included farmers from Pulichintala Madugu Thanda (20 farmers); Sherigadda Thanda (20 farmers); Jeedigadda Thanda (20 farmers); Ampally Thanda (20 farmers) and Urenti Thanda (20 farmers).
During the awareness sessions, the importance of biofortified rice varieties in addressing hidden hunger and micronutrient deficiencies was emphasized. Dr. Jyothi Badri, Senior Scientist (Plant Breeding), explained the features and benefits of the biofortified rice variety DRR Dhan 48, highlighting its nutritional advantages and yield potential. Dr. P. Brajendra, Principal Scientist (Soil Science), demonstrated the use and importance of the 2-minute soil testing kit, enabling farmers to make informed nutrient management decisions for better crop productivity. The programme was organized under the CRP-Biofortification–TSP, led by Dr. C. N. Neeraja, Head (Biotechnology) focusing on improving nutritional outcomes among tribal farming communities through biofortified crop interventions. As part of the initiative, input distribution was undertaken for all participating farmers. Each of the 200 farmers received 20 kg of DRR Dhan 48 seed and One 2-minute soil testing kit.
The programme was facilitated by the District Agricultural Officer, Sri Raja Rathnam. Local arrangements were coordinated by Agricultural Extension Officers (AEOs). The event was attended by Assistant Directors of Agriculture, Sri Sandeep and Sri Venkatesham, and the Mandal Agricultural Officer, Sri Surya Prakash. Local public representatives also participated actively. At Dharur, Smt. Prameela, Sarpanch, graced the programme. At Gurudotla cluster, Sarpanches from respective Thandas—Sri Balu Naik (Pulichintala Madugu Thanda), Sri Ramulu Naik (Gurudotla Thanda), and Sri Ananthaiah (Ampally Thanda)—extended their support and encouraged farmers to adopt biofortified rice cultivation. The programme concluded with an interactive session where farmers shared their experiences and expressed keen interest in cultivating biofortified rice varieties to improve both household nutrition and income.
