DIVISIONS / UNITS

DIVISION OF CROP IMPROVEMENT

The Division of Crop Improvement takes the responsibility of the crop improvement research needs of all types of tobacco grown in India. The Division comprises two disciplines, Plant Genetics and Breeding and Biotechnology. The scientists of the Division employ conventional breeding with biotechnology methods for the improvement of Indian tobacco cultivars in terms of productivity, physical & chemical quality, trade preference, resistance to biotic & abiotic stresses, reducing harmful substances like nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, tobacco specific nitrosamines (TSNA), etc. The materials developed by the Division form the basic material for carrying out research by other disciplines. Also, germplasm maintenance and enhancement, cytogenetical, genetical and molecular studies on tobacco are the important basic and strategic areas of research undertaken at the division. Production and distribution of quality seed to farmers is another key responsibility of the Division. In addition, the Division assists in the smooth functioning of the All India Network Research Project on Tobacco (AINPT) in general and crop improvement in particular.

This Division have so far instrumental in developing 98 varieties in all types of tobacco for cultivation throughout the country. All the ruling FCV tobacco varieties cultivated in India viz., Hema, VT-1158, Siri, N-98 and CTRI Sulakhana in black soils and southern light soils of Andhra Pradesh; Kanchan in Northern light soils of A.P; Kanchan, Rathna and FCH-222 in Karnataka light soils are released by the Division. Chewing varieties viz., Lichchavi, Pusa Tobacco-76, Bhagyalakshmi, Meenakshi, Meenakshi (CR), Abirami, Kaviri and Manasi; Rustica varieties viz., DD-437, Darla and Torsa; Burley variety, Banket A-1; Cheroot varieties viz., Natu Special, Bhairavi and Lanka Special are some of the prominent non-FCV tobacco varieties released. Tobacco Mosaic Virus resistant varieties like VT-1158, Godavari Special and Banket A-1; Black-shank resistant varieties like CM-12(KA), Kanchan and Bhavya; Powdery Mildew resistant variety Swarna and caterpillar resistant chewing varieties, Meenakshi CR, Abirami CR etc. are few of the resistant cultivars released by the Division. Lines resistant to tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura), tobacco aphid (Myzus nicotianae), Budworm (Helicoverpa armigera) and root-knot nematodes were also developed through interspecific hybridization and biotechnological approaches. In view of the health problems associated with tobacco, a number of improved lines having lower levels of harmful substances (Tar and TSNA - Tobacco Specific Nitrosamines) have been developed. A low tar yielding FCV variety, LT- Kanchan was released for NLS area. Also, hybrids having high yield potential along with desirable leaf quality viz. FCV hybrid, CH-1 for NLS and CH-3 for KLS, chewing tobacco hybrid, Kamatchi were released for the benefit of the farming community. Due to the concerted efforts of the scientists, the yield potential of FCV varieties has increased from 1,500 to 3,300 kg/ha while in non-FCV varieties, the yield increased from 2,000 to 4,000 kg/ha. Beside the yield, cured leaf quality was also substantially improved with the release of new varieties. Efforts are on to breed tobacco varieties suitable for extraction of edible oil besides higher levels of phyto-chemicals viz., solanesol, nicotine, protein etc.

This Division is instrumental in producing and distributing the pure seed of cultivated tobacco varieties to farmers for raising uniform healthy crop. In any given season, more than 90% of the tobacco crop area is planted with the tobacco seed supplied by ICAR-CTRI and its Regional Stations. The service rendered by the Institute, to the farming community in seed production aspects is paying richer dividends in terms of increased leaf quality, higher leaf yields and greater monetary returns to the growers.

As a National Active Germplasm Site, ICAR-CTRI is giving top priority for the tobacco germplasm management. At present more than 3,300 germplasm accessions belonging to N. tabacum L and N. rustica L besides 60 wild Nicotiana species are maintained in the Institute gene bank. Germplasm collection, maintenance, evaluation, documentation, registration and utilization are taken up on regular basis. Germplasm accessions with desirable agronomic and quality traits and resistance to various diseases and insect pests are identified and are being exploited in varietal improvement programmes.

DIVISION OF POST-HARVEST & VALUE ADDTION

The Division of Post-Harvest and Value Addition is a newly created division of the institute under the re-christened mandate of the National Institute for Research on Commercial Agriculture (ICAR-NIRCA).

The division performs basic, strategic, and applied research on post-harvest product processing, quality, and novel protocols for the assessment of bioactive compounds and phytochemicals in tobacco, chilli, turmeric, castor, and ashwagandha. Enhancement of value to post-harvest primary and secondary products through developing cutting-edge technologies, novel green extraction methods and analytical protocols, and characterizing high-value bioactive compounds and natural colours Mapping studies on GRL/MRL levels suited to different destiny countries and reducing harmful substances Development of protocols for the detection of residues from new-generation pesticides. Evaluation and exploitation of tobacco for alternative uses in the food and drug industries Focusing on developing and using market-level rapid testing methods for post-harvest contaminants and adulterants and creating awareness.

Conducting research on farm-level waste valorisation to increase income as a secondary agriculture. Emphasizing digital platforms, value chain models and traceability, market intelligence and participatory extension strategies, and developing skilled entrepreneurship through agri-incubators to provide high-quality, safe, and remunerative products will help us become key players in the domain of commercial agriculture. The division has four specialized laboratories with state-of-the-art equipment like a cigarette smoking machine, GC-MS (Shimadzu, Japan), auto-analysers (Bran-Luebbe, U.K., and SKALAR, Netherlands), a gel documentation system, and a PCR analyzer for tobacco leaf quality evaluation, identification of phytochemicals, bioactive compounds, and nutraceuticals, pesticide residue analysis, and smoke chemistry of cigarettes and bidi. The focused and dedicated scientific and technical staff of the division is able to provide testing services, training, and consultancy in product processing, assessment of product quality, pesticide residue analysis, smoke chemistry, and advanced tobacco curing technologies.

DIVISION OF CROP MANAGEMENT

The Division of Crop Management comprises scientists from Agronomy, Soil Science, Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology. The division conducts basic, strategic and applied research on various aspects of crop management from agronomic practices, water, nutrient and fertilizer management; pest and disease management including developing Good Agricultural Practices. Division conducts research on integrated crop management practices for higher input use efficiency (water, fertilizers and nutrients) for FCV and non-FCV tobacco. Full proof technology modules for tobacco nurseries including water use efficient micro-irrigation systems were developed. In field crop management, management practices viz. poly tray seedling production, integrated nutrient management, organic farming, integrated farming systems, region specific fertilizer recommendation, watershed management, drip fertigation, integrated weed management and alternative uses of tobacco were developed and recommended to the needy clientele. Research work on burley tobacco is being taken up in Vinukonda area. Tobacco is a high value cash crop. Hence, systems approach involving cropping /farming systems were found as next best viable alternative option to tobacco. Cropping systems/ crops for different agro-ecological sub-regions have been developed and recommended. The division is involved in identifying suitable weedicides and weed management including Orabanche. The division work on soil quality assessment for tobacco productivity and quality, enhancing nutrient use efficiency, nutrient supplementation through organic inputs and bio-fertilizers, customized fertilizers. The role of abiotic and biotic stress in tobacco crop and their mitigation in the scenario of climate change, green house gases in different cropping systems; water, nutrient and carbon foot prints and interventions to reduce GHGs.

The division conducts research on surveillance, prediction and forecasting of major insect pests, diseases and nematodes; estimation of crop losses by biotic factors, etiology and epidemiology of diseases, bio-ecology and developing integrated management schedules against insect pests, pathogens and nematodes. The division has initiated new vistas in crop management, viz., the tritrophic interactions, resistance mechanisms, and TSNAs in insect pests, drones in input use efficiency, developing sensor based irrigation and fertilizers. The division is also working on developing modules for precision agriculture to reduce the input use efficiency, reducing energy use and to make net zero emissions. The division conducts contract research by evaluating pesticides, fertilizers etc from industry. The division scientists are actively involved in extension and development activities with stake holders from farmer groups and industry.

PME CELL

PME- Priority setting, Monitoring and Evaluation is an effective tool to assist research managers for priority based research resource allocations, relevance, monitoring and evaluation of the research projects and accountability of the system. It is headed by the Nodal Officer.

To coordinate and synthesize the recommendations of QRT, RAC, IRC, Vision documents of institute and ICAR to recommend research priorities of the institution for short listing priority researchable problems cross crop(s)/ divisions/ programmes, etc. at institution level. (Priority setting).

Annual updating and presenting the report to the Director of the institution for assigning research projects.

To coordinate and arrange for annual monitoring of each on-going project and evaluation of completed projects through internal and external experts.

To coordinate and arrange for technology validation and /or impact assessment of successful technology claimed by scientist(s) through internal and external

Regularly sensitizing and capacity building of research managers and scientists through training programmes.

Maintaining a database on all publications, technologies developed, IPRs, MoUs, contract and consultancy projects undertaken in the past and the on-going projects.

CENTRAL LIBRARY

CTRI central library was established in 1950 to assist the researchers at the Main Institute and at its Regional Stations located at different places viz. Guntur (AP), Kandukur (AP), Jeelugumilli (AP), Vedasandur (Tamilnadu), Hunsur (Karnataka) and Dinhata (W.B.) in carrying out the R&D in different types of tobacco.

OBJECTIVES

• To procure published/unpublished literature on tobacco and other related subjects.

• To index and abstract the selected information available in journals.

• To prepare retrospective annotated bibliographies on different subjects.

• To provide Current Awareness Services (CAS) and Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) services.

• To provide reprographic and binding services.

COLLECTION

• Library acquired so far 13,703 books, 12,132 bound volumes of journals, 3,174 Reports/technical bulletins and Annual Reports, Newsletters of ICAR Institutes and Universities.

EQUIPMENTS / FACILITIES AVAILABLE

• IBM Compatible PCs. 2

• Spiral Binding System

• Lamination Machine

AGRICULTURAL KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT UNIT

    The AKMU was established in 1998 with advanced systems and peripherals. Computer systems are provided to each Scientist and each Section and LAN connectivity is provided among all the nodes. Internet connection was provided with broadband 8 MBPS line connectivity




RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

• Development of software for Scientific Research. 
• Statistical analysis of experimental data. 
• Providing Internet connectivity with NKN of 100 MBPS line to all the systems in the main building 
• Maintenance and updating of weather data in Meteorological Database Management System of Black Soil Farm, Katheru. 
• Installation and Maintenance of computer systems and peripherals 

HARDWARE AVAILABLE

• Intel I5 / I3 Desktop systems
• CYBEROAM FIREWALL
• PLOTTER
• Laser & Printers
• Switches & Hubs



SOFTWARE AVAILABLE

• QUICK HEAL CLIENT SERVER ANTIVIRUS
• WINDOWS 8
• MSOFFICE 2010
• SAS

SEED PRODUCTION SECTION

Tobacco is an important commercial crop cultivated in 0.45 million ha producing annually 800 million kg of leaf. Pure seed place a vital role in obtaining uniform crop growth which inturn ensures higher yields and superior leaf quality in tobacco. In order to provide quality seed to tobacco farmers, ICAR-CTRI, Rajahmundry started producing and distributing the pure seed of released tobacco varieties to the farmers since 1952. Further, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi has sanctioned a Revolving Fund Scheme (RF Scheme) in the year 1990 with the objective of supplying pure seed and healthy seedlings of released tobacco varieties to growers for improving the yield and quality of Flue-Cured-Virginia (FCV) tobacco. Under the Scheme, annually about 8,000 kg of FCV tobacco seed and 100 kg of Lanka tobacco seed (Non-FCV) are produced and distributed to the tobacco growers in Andhra Pradesh. Quality seeds of released varieties are produced following the standard seed production practices at Institute farm or at selected farmer fields. The pure seed confirming to the seed standards are distributes to tobacco growers with ICAR-CTRI security Hologram fixed on the sachets in order to make them tamper proof.




BLACK SOIL FARM, KATHERU (RAJAHMUNDRY)

The experimental farm attached to CTRI, Rajahmundry is situated at Katheru village, a hamlet of Rajahmundry Corporation. Farm Superintendent is the in-charge of the farm who works under the advice of Heads of divisions. The farm is spread over an area of 47.38 hectares adjacent to the river Godavari. The Fam soil is heavy black soil classified as vertisol. The Farm caters to the needs of Crop Improvement, Crop Production, Crop Chemistry & Soil Science and Crop Protection divisions for conducting various experiments. It is equipped with tractor and bullock drawn agriculture implements for cultivation of different crops, such as FCV, Burley, Natu Tobacco; Blackgram, Greengram, Horsegram, Chickpea, Maize, Soybean, Pigeonpea, Mustard, Coriander and fodder jowar.

The experimental farm has ‘A’ class Meteorological Observatory which operates under the Indian Meteorological Department, Pune. Observations on atmospheric temperature, soil temperature, total rainfall, No. of rainy days, Relative humidity, evaporation, sunshine hours, wind velocity, wind direction, dew fall and lysimeter readings are recorded daily. The weather data is also supplied to different Govt. and Non-governmental organizations.




KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRA, KALAVACHARLA (KVK)




RAJANAGARAM MANDAL - 533 297




EAST GODAVARI DISTRICT, A.P.




Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) under the administrative control of Central Tobacco Research Institute was established (1983) at Kalavacharla village in Rajanagaram Mandal of East Godavari District, 25 km away from CTRI, Rajahmundry with disciplines Crop Production, Plant Protection, Horticulture, Animal Science Production and Home Science. Recently (2018-19) KVK is supported by District Agro Meteorological Unit (DAMU) established with the financial aid by India Meteorological Department (IMD) with recruitment of an SMS (Agro-Meteorology) and a Agro-met Observer. The KVK is actively engaged in transfer of viable and need based, skill oriented and socially sustainable technologies to cater to the needs of the rural and tribal people to improve their socio-economic status. This KVK is also conducting on-farm, off-farm, front-line demonstrations, vocational training programmes, farmers Awareness Programmes and advisory service to the farming community. The KVK has well developed instructional Farm with an area of 14.38 ha where different demonstration units are maintained.




MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS (2019-20)

  On Farm Trials (OFTs)  

• During the year 2019-20, a total number of 9 technologies were assessed by conducting on-farm trials at farmers' fields.

Highlights of OFTs:  

In Rice MTU-1172 and MTU-1190 were assessed for tolerance to submergence and also as an alternate to BPT in irrigated uplands of the district. The varieties performed well with 45 q/ha and 52 q/ha with a benefit cost ratio of 1.70 and 1.97 over Swarna (43.2 q/ha) and BPT-5204 (48 q/ha).

Cassava Mosaic Disease Resistant varieties PDPCMR1, Sree Raksha-1 and Sree Raksha-2 were assessed and found resistant to CMD and with higher yields.

In Dolichos. assessed the performance of photo-insensitive and pole type 'Arka Prasidhi' of IIHR, Bengaluru and recorded 18.5 t/ha of pod yield compared to existing broad bean of 17.1 t/ha and Farmer's practice of Desi Chikkudu with 16.3 t/ha.

In Tomato 'Arka Abhed' and 'Arka Samrat' a multiple and triple disease resistant hybrids were assessed and recorded higher yields of 48.2 t/ha and 51 t/ha and no incidence of diseases over private hybrid Sakata (31.0 t/ha).

Assessed the management module against Fall Armyworm in maize following seed treatment schedule, pheromone traps @ 10 traps/ha, spraying of Azadirachtin 10000 ppm 500 ml per ha and Metarhizium anisopliae @ 2.5 litres/ha recorded an yield of 75.12 q/ha over farmer's practice (73.5 q/ha).

Estrous Synchronization with Double PGF2 alpha Protocol resulted in 60% conception in buffaloes.

By feeding well balanced ration, the farmers could save Rs. 52 /- per day per animal.

Lucerne, a lugume fodder introduced was well adopted in East Godavari climatic conditions with good net returns to farmers.




Front line demonstrations 

FLDs:

Apart from cluster FLDs, a total of 19 FLDs were conducted during the year 2019-17. Highlights of FLDs are as follows.

Foliar spray of 1% PPFM at critical stage of crop growth in rice at 30 days interval resulted in 2.8 q/ha more yield compared to farmer's practice.

Foliar spray of 'Pulse Wonder' @ 5kg/ha in Blackgram resulted in reduced flower drop and increased yield of 1.5 q/ha.

In Alternate Wet and Drying (AWD) (Field Tube Technology) demonstrated in rice resulted in reduced number of irrigations and also increase in yield of 1. 8 q/ha.

Application of Trichoderma viride @ 2.5 kg/ha, Pseudomonas fluorescece @ 2kg/ha and Paecilomyces lilacinus @ 2.5 liters/ha in tuberose resulted in less severity of root-knot nematode compared to farmer's practice of application of Carbofuran 3 G @ 25 kg/ha.

In management of 'Sigatoka' leaf spot in Banana with Carbendazim @ 1g/litre and Propiconazole @ 1.5ml/litre in 15 days interval resulted in least infestation of the disease.

Demonstrated low cost fruit ripening chamber which is eco-friendly, safest and low cost technology for ripening of mango, papaya, banana and others.

A cheap diagnostic tool for Sub Clinical Mastitis (SURF FIELD MASTITIS TEST) was demonstrated (1 lit. of water + 30 gm.of detergent powder) when added to milk gets curdled if milk sample is positive for Mastitis. Out of 130 samples tested 20 observed positive for Mastitis.

In Promotion of indigenous high yielding GIR cows through AI - 15 inseminations were conducted and 9 animals have delivered with 60% conception rate.

Silage making with PVC drum (220 litres capacity) was demonstrated with Super Napier bajra grass only. Excellent Silage is even after 6 months with a typical aroma was observed. The silage is aerated before feeding to cattle.

CRIDA Wheel Hoe was demonstrated in farmers fields for intercultural operations in vegetable crops.

Demonstrated home-stead nutri gardens to Anganwadi centres and rural women for balanced diet and availability of healthy and fresh vegetables and also for reducing malnutrition in rural areas.

Sugar Cane stripper was demonstrated in farmers fields for easy stripping and de-topping of cane after harvest and reducing drudgery involved in sugar cane stripping operation.




Trainings/Capacity building programmes:

A total of 13 Training programme were organized during the year 2019-20.

23.07.2019: Training cum Demonstration on Banana Fiber Extraction was conducted at ICAR- KVK, Kalavacharla. Farmers and farm women (28 nos.) from Nellore district were actively participated in the programme.

23.07.2019: Training cum awareness programme on Improved production technologies in Cashew and Mango was conducted to 40 farmers, sponsored by NGO-NASA, Tuni.

23.08.2019: Training and Demonstration on 'Management of Fall Armyworm by Chemical method' conducted in association with M/s Dhanuka Agritech Ltd. A total number of 35 farmers from different Mandals attended the programme.

17.10.2019 to 20.10.2019: Assistant Director of Agriculture, ATMA-Bijapur officials alongwith 50 farmers from Bijapur District of Chattisgarh State visited KVK, Kalavacharla as a part of their training and exposure visit and interacted with KVK officials Farmers visited demonstration units of KVK and also other research stations, IFS farmers fields, Fish Technology Units etc.,.

30.10.2019: Training programme on 'Skill training in Terrace Gardening' was conductedin collaboration with Department of Horticulture, East Godavari. 20 women from urban areas attended the programme. Sri. Rammohana Rao, DDH, JVR. Satyavani, SMS (Horticulture) participated and imparted awareness programme on terrace gardening.

15.11.2019: Training programme on 'Weed management in field crops' conducted at KVK, Kalavacharla. Sri. K.Dileep, SMS, Agrometeorology delivered a lecture on major weed menace and their management practices. Dr. VSGR Naidu, Principal Scientist & Head, KVK, Kalavacharla and other SMSs also participated in the training programme. 15 farmers including rural youth attended the training programme and got benefited.

16.11.2019: Training programme on 'Integrated pest management in Rice' was conducted at KVK, Kalvacharla. Sri. T. Vijay Vardhan, Young Professional-II, Plant Protection explained about the major Pests occur in East Godavari district and their management practices. Dr. VSGR Naidu, Principal Scientist & Head, KVK, Kalavacharla and other SMSs also participated in the training programme. 15 number of farmers attended and clarified their doubts

05.12.2019: Organised two days training programme on 'Integrated Management of Snails in Horticultural Crops' by T.VijayaVardhan, YP-2 (Plant Protection) and J.V.R.Satyavani, CTO (Horticulture), at Madiki village of Alamuru Mandal. 20 farmers participated in the programme. Inputs were distributed for management of snails.

20.12.2019 and 21.12.2019: Ch.Sindu, YP-II (Home Science) conducted 2 days training programme on value addition to millets. Demonstrated the preparation of Ragi Laddu, Jonna Laddu, Jonna Murukulu, Korra Payasam, Jonna Nippatlu, etc., to the trainees and explained the health benefits and nutritional aspects of millets. Total 15 women from Narendrapuram village (DFI) of Rajanagaram Mandal participated in the programme.

23.12.2019 and 24.12.2019: Dr. B.John Babu, CTO (Veterinary) conducted 2 days training programme on 'First aid of Sheep and goat' at KVK adopted villages. Total 25 farmers participated in this programme.

27.01.2020: KVK, Kalavacharla has organized 'STRY on Production of seedlings - Nursery Management, Grafting methods in Cashew and Mango' in collaboration with ATMA, East Godavari. Training on various methods of Grafting in Mango, Cashew, Custard apple, Guava, Sapota, Nursery management, production of seedling etc., were demonstrated to farmers during the 7 days training programme. STRY programme was concluded with distribution of Certificates and Pruning Kit to the participated trainees.

13.03.2020: KVK, Kalavacharla has organized one day workshop on 'Energy Efficiency and demand side management in agriculture sector' at ICAR-CTRI, Rajahmundry along with AP State Energy Conservation Mission, ATMA, ANGRAU APSECM, APEPDCL & NABARD. 100 farmers participated in the programme. Lectures were delivered by the dignitaries on energy efficiency and conservation.

21.03.2020: KVK, Kalavacharla has organized Farmers' Awareness programme on 'MEGHDOOT mobile app' under DAMU project. 35 farmers and youth from Srirangapatnam, Gadarada villages participated in this programme.




Extension activities/awareness programmes:

26.06.2019: SC Sub-Plan 2018-19 was organized at KVK, Kalavacharla. Dr. D. Damodar Reddy, Director-CTRI, Dr.C.Chandrasekhara Rao, Chairman - SC Sub Plan, Dr.K. Suman Kalyani, Principal Scientist and Member and Dr.VSGR Naidu, Head, KVK participated in the programme. Rice varieties seed RNR 15048 and NDLR-7 and planting material like Cashew and Mango grafts were distributed to SC farmers as inputs under SC Sub-Plan. Demonstrated farm implements and their maintenance during this programme.

11.09.2019: CTRI, KVK, Kalavacharla has conducted Animal vaccination camp on the occasion of launch of 'National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) for Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis and National Artificial Insemination Programme (NAIP)' by Hon'ble Prime Minister in Mathura, Uttara Pradesh.

As per Central Government's initiative, KVK, Kalavacharla organised 'Large scale plantation drive & Kisan Ghosti' in collaboration with IFFCO, Kakinada. On this occasion Custard apple & Guava plants were planted in the premises of KVK and Dr. VSGR Naidu, Head, KVK distributed Custard apple, Mango, Cashew, Guava plants. SMSs and staff of KVK participated in this programme. Sri. Jagadeesh Mishra, Manager, IFFCO also participated in this programme. Kisan Ghosti was organized and 70 farmers participated in the programme.

11.09.2019 to 02.10.2019: Swachhta hi sewa programme is being implemented at KVK, Kalavacharla and nearby villages. Under this programme drive on plastic removal was carried out and accordingly plastic covers and other waste materials were removed and disposed off. Bushes were removed and office rooms were cleaned. Dr. VSGR Naidu, Head, KVK, SMSs and staff of KVK were actively participated and cleaned in and around KVK premises.

27.09.2019: Miss. Ch. Sindhu, Young Professional- II (Home Science), participated in Nutrition - Education programme organized by Agricultural College, ANGRAU, Rajahmundry at Rajavaram village of Atreyapuram Mandal as a Resource Person.

22.10.2019: CTRI-KVK-Kalavacharla has organized 'Fertilizer Application Awareness Programme' as per Govt. of India guidelines in collaboration with Department of Agriculture and NFCL. 150 farmers from Rajahmundry Rural and Urban, Korukonda and Rajanagaram Mandals attended the programme.

01.11.2020: 'Vigilance awareness week' was conducted at CTRI, Rajahmundry. Dr.VSGR Naidu, Head, KVK, SMSs and other staff participated. Vigilance awareness programme was also conducted at Dulla village of Kadiam Mandal. Dr. VSGR Naidu, Scientist & Head briefed on vigilance activities to the farmers. SMSs and other staff also participated in the programme. 25 farmers and farm women participated.

12.12.2019: KVK, Kalavacharla organized 'Farmers - Scientists Interface Meet on Goat & sheep Rearing, Management and Breed improvement' at CTRI, Rajahmundry sponsored by ATMA, East Godavari, Kakinada. Dr. B.JohnBabu and Dr. P.Sivarao coordinated this programme.

16.12.2019 to 31.12.2019: Swachhata Pakhwada programme was implemented to continue Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign at KVK, Kalavacharla and its adopted villages. As a part of this programme, Scientists created awareness to reduce single use plastic items such as plastic plates, glass/cups, water bottles at KVK. Disposal of waste and cleanliness programme was conducted. Dr. VSGR Naidu, Head, KVK, SMSs and staff of KVK actively participated.




Workshop/Training/Seminar :

14.10.2019 to 19.10.2019 : Mr. K.Dileep, SMS (Ag.Meteorology) and Mr.M.A.Raju. Agro-Met.Observer, DAMU-KVK participated in 'Short term training course on preparation and dissemination of Agromet advisories at Block level' by District Agromet Units (DAMUs) under Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva (GKMS) scheme, organized jointly by India Metorological Department (IMD) and ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Hyderabad at ATARI, Hyderabad.

15.12.2019 to 17.12.2019: J.V.R.Satyavani, CTO (Horticulture) attended Technical Trainings to VAAs/VHAs/VSAs at Office of Assistant Director of Agriculture, Rajahmundry and Peddapuram as a Resource Person and delivered lectures on 'Nursery Act in Horticulture' and 'Crop Management of Papaya'

18.12.2019 to 20.12.2019: K.Dileep, SMS (Agrometeorology), DAMU participated in 13th Annual Review Meeting on 'Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva' organized by IMD at RVSKVV, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.




Important Days / Celebrations:

15.08.2019: Independence Day was celebrated at KVK, Kalavacharla. Dr. VSGR Naidu, Head, KVK hoisted the national flag at 8 am. SMSs and staff of KVK participated in the programme.

26.11.2020: Indian constitution day was celebrated at CTRI, Rajahmundry. Dr. D. Damodar Reddy, Director, CTRI, delivered his speech about the Indian Constitution also took an oath along with scientists and other staff. Dr. VSGR Naidu, Principal Scientist & Head, KVK, Kalavacharla also participated in the programme along with SMSs, YPs and other staff of KVK.

02.10.2020: Dr. VSGR Naidu, Head, KVK and SMSs participated in 150th Birth Day Celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi organized at ICAR-CTRI, Rajahmundry on 2nd October 2019.




Awards:

Dr.VSGR Naidu, Principal Scientist & Head elected as Joint Secretary, Indian Society of Weed Science, Jabalpur for 2019.

Conferred Appreciation Certificate to 'FACT SHEET' of KVK, Kalavacharla during Annual Zonal Workshop of KVKs held at NAARM, Hyderabad from 24-26 May 2019.

On behalf of The Director, CTRI, Rajahmundry, Dr. VSGR. Naidu, Head, KVK received FTCCI award for Social welfare initiatives for Women Empowerment' conferred to CTRI, Rajahamundry, organized by FTCCI on 12.07.2019 at Hyderabad.