On 20th September 2025 (Saturday) a delegation of seven representatives from the Pacific Islands Countries presently with Agri Innovation Hub of PJTAU, Hyderabad visited KVK Ranga Reddy of the Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) in Hyderabad to gain insights about our KVK in supporting farmers and entrepreneurs;

especially, on innovations in the areas of extension, transfer of technologies and front-line demonstrations. Dr. Chandrakant M. H, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK, along with the KVK team, welcomed the delegates and gave an overview of the KVK system, its mandate, achievements, and the vital role played in advancing agriculture through the mission of the Farm Science Centres Krishi Vigyan Kendra’s (KVKs). The delegation was familiarized with various KVK activities like Watershed Management, Irrigation Systems, Fodder Cafeteria, Horticulture crops and the Seed Hub unit, all highlighting the innovative practices implemented by KVK. The KVK team, comprising Subject Matter Specialists Dr. D. Sudheer (Veterinary Science), Dr. S. Vijaykumar (Agricultural Engineering), G. Sri Krishna SMS (Horticulture), Dr. S. Dilip, SMS (Agril. Extension) and Shri P. Ramakrishna (Technical Officer), along with Project Young Professionals organized a guided tour of the KVK-RR facilities.

implemented by KVK. The KVK team, comprising Subject Matter Specialists Dr. D. Sudheer (Veterinary Science), Dr. S. Vijaykumar (Agricultural Engineering), G. Sri Krishna SMS (Horticulture), Dr. S. Dilip, SMS (Agril. Extension) and Shri P. Ramakrishna (Technical Officer), along with Project Young Professionals organized a guided tour of the KVK-RR facilities.

The delegation expressed appreciation for the well-structured approach of the KVK Rangareddy, highlighting its strong grassroots connections and its ability to integrate modern science with traditional knowledge as the KVK’s effectively links research institutions with farmers by emphasizing hands-on training and local technologies. They got clarifications about dairy aspects regarding scale, rural livelihood impact, domestic demand besides non availability of hybrid capsicum varieties except traditional varieties (monoculture) as few of their nations like the Solomon Islands has regulation on seed import.

Shri. Hemant Nitturkar the FAO Agriculture Officer in the Subregional Office for the Pacific Islands expressed that the visit proved to be a valuable experience for the delegation by promoting knowledge sharing among nations and immensely thanked for the KVK hospitality and reception.