Hyderabad, May 4 (UNI) In a major step towards strengthening agricultural education at the grassroots level, the Telangana government is set to launch a new programme titled ‘Scientists in the Farmer’s Field’ from May 5 to June 13.

Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao announced that the initiative aims to educate farmers across 1,200 villages on key cultivation-related issues with the help of experts from Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU).

More than 200 teams of scientists have been formed for this outreach, with around 100 teams deployed in South Telangana and 50 teams covering North and Central Telangana mandals.

Each team will conduct daily field sessions from 0800 hours to 1200 hours on weekdays, offering guidance on reducing urea usage, safe chemical application, record-keeping, water conservation, crop rotation, and afforestation.

Each team will include two agricultural scientists, university students, agriculture department staff, progressive farmers, local officials, and community representatives such as teachers and students. The initiative will be coordinated by the university's agricultural colleges, polytechnics, research stations, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and Yeruvaka Kendras, in collaboration with the state agriculture department.

The Minister emphasised that high-level university officials, including deans and joint research directors, will monitor the programme to ensure its effectiveness.

He expressed hope that the initiative will provide scientists and students valuable exposure to real-world challenges faced by farmers.

Minister Tummala recalled that similar efforts had been made in the past by Congress governments, but were not sustained due to lack of attention.

He urged farmers to take full advantage of this opportunity, clear their doubts directly with scientists, and make the programme a grand success under the current people's government, according to an official statement on Sunday.

UNI VV RN