Latest news with #ANGRAU
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
NIRCA's vision for turmeric-based rural livelihoods in Andhra
Representative image RAJAHMUNDRY: India's turmeric cultivation for the 2023–24 season spanned 3.05 lakh hectares with an annual production of 10.54 lakh tonnes, yielding a productivity of 3,656 kg per hectare (ANGRAU- Crop Outlook, 2023–24). In Andhra Pradesh , turmeric cultivation played a vital role in the livelihoods of many small and marginal farmers, especially in districts like ASR, Krishna, YSR, Bapatla, Guntur, etc. In AP, turmeric was grown on 22.37 thousand hectares with an annual production of 38.03 thousand tonnes, and a productivity of 1.7 MT/ha during 2023–24. Reports said that production during 2023–24 was 11.05 thousand hectares less compared to 2022–23 (33.42 thousand hectares). According to Dr M Seshu Madhav, Director, ICAR–NIRCA, Rajahmundry, turmeric cultivated in the major turmeric-growing area of AP, i.e., Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district - a tribal region - was recognized for its exceptional quality, with curcumin levels ranging from 5.8–6 and a distinctive, pleasant fragrance, as the crop thrived well in cooler climates. In ASR district, farmers continued to cultivate traditional turmeric varieties which, despite their rich aroma and high curcumin content, typically produced lower yields compared to improved varieties. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo Seed availability was mostly limited to exchanges among farmers, restricting access to superior planting material. As per conventional practice, turmeric was often grown as a two-year crop. In this direction, the institute planned a few key steps to support turmeric farmers and enhance crop performance. These included supporting value addition and improving marketability. The institute aimed to conduct post-harvest processing training for turmeric farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). This training would focus on key aspects such as proper harvesting techniques, curing, drying methods, polishing, and storage practices to preserve curcumin content and aroma. Emphasis was to be placed on hygienic handling, the use of improved processing equipment, and techniques to reduce post-harvest losses. By equipping farmers with knowledge of best post-harvest practices, the institute aimed to enhance product quality, fetch better prices in the market, and open opportunities for branding and export. The region was predominantly known for its organic or natural farming practices in turmeric cultivation. At present, both individual farmers and FPOs collected and sold raw turmeric produce without any form of certification, which limited their ability to access premium markets or negotiate better prices. To address this gap, the institute planned to introduce a certification system that included scientific analysis of turmeric quality — such as curcumin content, aroma, and purity. By providing certified quality assurance by the institute or obtaining third-party organic certification, the institute aimed to build trust with buyers and enable farmers and FPOs to bargain more effectively in the market, potentially accessing higher-value segments including exports, organic, and pharmaceutical markets. This initiative was expected to enhance transparency and credibility and add value to the traditional turmeric cultivated in the region. A few FPOs in the region were already equipped with post-harvest processing machinery and retail outlets, enabling them to carry out basic value addition. However, these efforts often fell short of reaching larger markets due to limited marketing networks and lack of direct access to bulk buyers. To bridge this gap, the institute actively supported these FPOs by facilitating market linkages with major buyers, including spice companies, exporters, and retail chains. The institute already operated NIRCA'S NEST, an established outlet that showcased and sold value-added products — the major among them being turmeric-based items. Building on this outlet, the institute planned to directly procure turmeric produce from farmers and FPOs to develop a wider range of value-added products such as turmeric powder, capsules, soaps, and wellness products. This initiative aimed to ensure that farmers received fair prices and promoted the unique qualities of turmeric grown in the region, especially its high curcumin content and natural cultivation practices. Through branding, packaging, and strategic marketing under the NIRCA'S NEST label, the institute aimed to create strong regional identity and demand for local turmeric in both domestic and international markets. The institute was also diligently exploring the acquisition of a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the indigenous turmeric landraces cultivated in the region. This initiative stemmed from the recognition of the exceptional qualities of these local varieties, which were deeply rooted in the region's unique agro-climatic conditions, organic farming methods, and long-standing cultural practices. The GI tag would serve as a formal acknowledgment of the distinctiveness and authenticity of these landraces, protect the farmers from commercial exploitation, ensure fair market value, and promote regional identity on both national and international levels.
New Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Agri research must benefit farmers on field: Andhra Minister Lavu
GUNTUR: Stressing the importance of taking innovations from lab to land, Narasaraopet MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu on Wednesday emphasised that agricultural research must directly benefit farmers by reducing input costs and combating crop diseases. He paid floral tributes to the statue of Acharya NG Ranga and recalled his pioneering contributions to Indian agriculture and rural development. Speaking at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) campus in Guntur, he lauded the university's distinguished history, strong infrastructure, and dedicated scientific community. 'Institutions like ANGRAU should strive to make their research accessible and practical. The technologies and findings developed here must empower farmers on the ground,' he said, adding that scalable, pest-resistant solutions are critical for large-scale implementation.
The Hindu
30-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
ANGRAU Diamond Jubilee: MP calls for focused research on doubling farmers' income
Narasaraopet Member of Parliament Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu has said that enhanced collboration and coordination among the departments of Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) would ensure the meaningful impact of this 'world-class institution' on farmers at the grassroots level. Addressing the academicians, agricultural scientists, and policymakers during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the university on Tuesday, the MP emphasised the need for focused research on doubling farmers' income by minimising the cost of cultivation. 'It is not only technological innovation but also inter-departmental synergy that will ensure that our research reaches the last mile,' he said. Participating in the programme as the Guest of Honour, Macherla MLA Julakanti Brahmananda Reddy highlighted the agrarian challenges specific to Palnadu, including frequent crop failures in red gram, cotton, and chilli. He advocated the introduction of horticultural crops as viable alternatives to stabilise farmers' income. The event was presided over by ANGRAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. R. Sarada Jayalakshmi Devi. Among the eminent attendees were Dr. G.R. Chintala, former chairman of NABARD; former Vice-Chancellors Dr. S. Raghuvardhan Reddy and Dr. V. Damodara Naidu; Dr. J.V. Ramana, Vice-Chancellor of Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University; Dr. B. Gopal, Vice-Chancellor of Dr. YSR Horticulture University; and Dr. T. Suguna, Officer on Special Duty from Andhra Pradesh Fisheries University. Yelamanchili Shivaji, former MP and board member of ANGRAU, traced the institutional milestones of the university. He praised ANGRAU's success in transferring technology from lab to land, and urged the institution to sustain its efforts. A keynote lecture titled 'Building the Future on a Legacy of Excellence @ 60' was delivered by Dr. Chintala, an alumnus of ANGRAU. This was followed by reminiscences from former Vice-Chancellors, university officers, and farmers. Industry-academia session An industry-academia session brought together experts from both sectors to explore collaborative opportunities. The celebrations also featured cultural performances by students from various ANGRAU-affiliated colleges, adding a festive note to the event.
New Indian Express
30-04-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
ANGRAU showcases modern agri methods at Diamond Jubilee fete
GUNTUR: Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) marked its Diamond Jubilee on Monday with a grand celebration, highlighting six decades of excellence in agricultural research, education, and innovation. The event, organised on the university campus, drew over 5,000 participants and featured more than 150 stalls showcasing cutting-edge agricultural technologies, including artificial intelligence applications and modern farming techniques. Minister for Agriculture Kinjarapu Atchannaidu inaugurated the exhibition as chief guest. The celebration was presided over by ANGRAU Vice Chancellor Dr R Sarada Jayalakshmi Devi and attended by several dignitaries, including MLAs Eluru Sambasiva Rao and B Ramanjaneyulu, MLC Alapati Rajendra Prasad, Special Secretary B Rajasekhar, Agriculture Commissioner Delhi Rao, and former NABARD Chairman Chintala Govindarajulu. In her address, Dr Jayalakshmi Devi highlighted ANGRAU's major contributions over 60 years, including the development of 331 crop varieties and distribution of over five lakh quintals of quality seeds. With 11 constituent colleges, 51 research stations, and 13 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), the university has played a vital role in empowering farmers and enhancing rural livelihoods. Minister Atchannaidu lauded ANGRAU's Rural Work Experience Scheme, which provides students with hands-on field training, and announced financial support for upgrading the university's integrated administrative building. A commemorative video was released, spotlighting ANGRAU's past achievements and future vision for sustainable agriculture.
Hans India
30-04-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Need for research in agriculture stressed
Guntur: Minister for Agriculture and Agriculture Marketing K Atchannaidu said Acharya NG Ranga Agriculture University is the first university to start the concept of agriculture education in the agriculture fields and launched a rural work experience scheme for practical experience. He said this university is the role model for other agriculture universities in the country. He recalled that the students who studied in the university occupied higher positions. He addressed a meeting held at Acharya NG Ranga Agriculture University, at Lam in Guntur city on Tuesday, on the occasion of the beginning of two-day university Diamond Jubilee celebrations. He urged the agriculture scientists to do research to reduce the cost of production in agriculture to make the agriculture viable. He assured that he will release funds to complete the university administrative buildings. Earlier, he inaugurated the agriculture stalls set up on the occasion of university diamond jubilee celebrations. Special chief secretary to government (Agriculture) B Rajasekhar, ANGRAU vice-chancellor Dr R Sarada Jayalakshmi, MLC Alapati Rajendra Prasad, MLAs Eluru Sambasiva Rao, B Ramanjaneyulu, commissioner of agriculture Dilli Rao, Sri Venkateswara University vice-chancellor Dr K Gopal were among those who participated.
