Farmer scientist Interaction programme was organized by Krishi vigyan Kendra, kalikiri on 22/12/2012. Dr. P.Gidda Reddy, Director of Extension, ANGRAU was the chief guest for the programme while the Sri. C. Reddeppa reddy, Smt. B. Mamatha and Dr. R. Sarada Jaya Lakshmi, Members, Board of Management, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University were the guests of honour. The programme was presided over by Dr. T. Giridhara Krishna, Associate Director of Research, RARS, Tirupati. Dr. P.V.Satya Gopal, Programme coordinator welcomed the dignitaries, scientists, extension functionaries and farmers to the programme.

In his address Dr. P.Gidda Reddy emphasized the importance of mixed farming for sustainability of agriculture. In this context, he highlighted the integration of different farming systems like dairy, poultry, livestock, piggery, sericulture, apiculture, sheep and goat farming etc.

Sri C. Reddeppa reddy highlighted the role of KVK in acknowledging the farmers about the new technologies and practices in farming. Smt. B. Mamatha emphasized about women empowerment and value addition. She also focused on the importance of women and child nutrition in the villages. Dr. R. Sarada jayalakshmi explained the local pest problems and their remedial measures. The chief guest and guests of honour appreciated the efforts of KVK, Kalikiri.

The scientists of different research stations viz., Dr. P. Subbarao, Principal scientist & Head, ARS, Nellore; Dr. R. P. Vasanthi, Principal scientist, RARS, Tirupati; Dr. P. Prasanthi, Principal scientist, RARS, Tirupati; Dr. S. Kalemulla, Principal scientist, RARS, Tirupati; Dr. Hemanth kumar, Principal scientist & Head, ARS, Perumallapalli; Dr. T. Muralikrisha, Principal scientist, RARS, Tirupati; Dr. G. Krishna Reddy, Principal scientist, RARS, Tirupati; Dr. P. Sudhakar, Senior scientist, RARS, Tirupati; Dr. M. Reddy Kumar, Senior scientist, RARS, Tirupati; Dr. V. Naga Madhuri, Senior scientist, RARS, Tirupati; Dr. Bala Hussaini, Assistant Professor, College of Horticulture, Anantarajpet and Dr. J. V. Ramana, Professor & Head, Dept of Animal Nutrition. Local ADA, AO, VAS, Ho scientists from RASS KVK participated in the programme.

The major questions on PSND & PBND, red hairy caterpillar, Dharani variety of groundnut; weed management in rice; viral diseases in papaya; premature drop of fruits in mango, problems of vegetables, etc were raised by the farmers. The concerned scientists gave proper recommendations to the questions raised by the farmers. The majority of farmers brought the specimens of crop damage and remedial measures. The session went on very lively and lot of enthusiasm was observed among the farming community.

On this occasion six brouchers entitled “ Integrated disease management for viral diseases in groundnut, Integrated weed management for parthenium, Package of practices for rain fed groundnut, Management of fruit fly through pheromone traps in mango, Kitchen garden and Tomato value added products” were released by the guests.

At KVK farm, newly established farm gate was inaugurated by Dr. P.Giddareddy, Director of Extension. Gravitational drip system was established at the hill top to provide micro irrigation to an area of 4 acres of sapota and guava planted along the slope of hill. The drip system was inaugurated by Smt. B. Mamata. The gate valve was opened by Sri. C. Reddeppa reddy. The programme was welcomed by Kum. K. Shireesha, Research Associate (Extension) and vote of thanks proposed by Sri. N. Suresh, Research Associate (Horticulture)..

KrishiVigyan Kendra Kalikiri completed one year  of establishment and celebrated the first anniversary on 10^th February,  2013. Dr. T. Giridhar Krishna, Associate Director of Research, RARS, Tirupati was the chief guest for the foundation day programme. Sri. Y. V. RamanaRao, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Piler and Dr. G. Krishna Reddy, Senior Scientist (Agronomy), RARS, Tirupati were the guests of honour for the foundation day programme. The programme was inaugurated withlightening the lamp by chief guest and guests of honour. Addressing on this occasionDr. T. Giridhar Krishna, Associate Director of Research, RARS, Tirupati appreciated the efforts and achievements of KrishiVigyan Kendra,Kalikiri during the past one year. He also stressed the importance of KVK Kalikirifor the wellbeing of farming and farmers.

Sri. Y. V. RamanaRao, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Piler division named KVK Kalikirias the knowledge hub of agriculture and informed the farmers and agriculture extension officers to utilize the timely services of KVK. Later  Dr. G. Krishna Reddy, Senior Scientist (Agronomy), RARS, Tirupati mentioned that the Services of KVK, Kalikiri can be best utilized by the farmers and extension officers to strengthen their technical competency so as to reach the ultimate goal of attaining increased food production.

On this occasion, Dr. P. V. Satyagopal, Programme Co-ordinator of KVK, Kalikiri presented activities and significant achievements of KVK from 10-02-2012 to 10-02-2013. As a part of the programme, six farmers viz.,  P. Devendra, G. Lakshmaiah, V. Vasudeva Reddy, A, Muniraja, K. Srinivasareddy and P. Gangulappa who  contributed in adopting the OFTs and FLDs as per the guidelines given by the KVK scientists and achieved higher yields then disseminated the same technology to the fellow farmers effectively were felicitated with presentation of mementos. The farmers expressed their satisfaction towards the technical support of KVK Kalikiri in improving their farm production and productivity.

Earlier Dr. D. Subramanyam, Subject matter specialist (Crop Production) welcomed the gathering. Smt. P. Sandya, RA (Homescience), Kum. R. Prasanna Lakshmi, RA(Plant Protection) and other staff members also involved for the success of the programme. At the end Kum. K. Shireesha, RA (Extension) proposed vote of thanks.