The Farmer FIRST (Farm, Innovations, Resources, Science and Technology) programme aims at enhancing farmer-scientist interface for technology development and application. It will be achieved with focus on innovations, technology, feedback, multiple stakeholder’s participation, multiple realities, multi method approaches, vulnerability and livelihood interventions. The specific objectives are:

• To enhance farmer-scientist interface, enrich knowledge and facilitate continued feedback.
• To identify and integrate economically viable and socially compatible technological options as adoptable models for different       agro-ecological situations.
• To develop modules for farm women to address drudgery reduction, income enhancement and livelihood security.
• To study performance of technologies and perception of the farmers about agriculture as a profession in the rural settings.
• To build network of linkages of organizations around the farm households for improving access to information, technology,         input and market.
• To institutionalize Farmer FIRST process.

Components of FFP are:
• Enhancing Farmer-Scientist Interface
• Technology Assemblage, Application and Feedback
• Partnership and Institution Building
• Content Mobilization

ICAR-CRIDA has initiated Farmers FIRST project on “Farmer centric Natural resource Development for Socio- Economic Empowerment in rainfed Areas of Southern Telangana Region” October, 2016 in Pudur Mandal of Vikarabad district of Telangana State in a cluster of villages. Based on PRA and baseline survey information an action plan and technology package for the area has been implemented. The technology package modules comprise of soil and water conservation, crops and cropping systems, horticulture, livestock, farm mechanization and socio-economic studies.

World Soil Day Celebration at Medikonda Village under Farmer FIRST Project

World Soil Day was organized by ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA) on the theme "Soil: Where food begins?" on 5th December, 2022 at Medikonda Village, Pudur Mandal, Vikarabad District under Farmer FIRST project.

During the programme experts explained about the purpose of world soil day celebration, role of major and minor nutrients for crop growth, importance of soil health management and soil test based nutrient application for enhancing crop yield and reducing the cost of cultivation. Later, soil health cards were distributed and explained the interpretation of soil data to the farmers. Around 100 farmers participated in the programme. Sri. Anantha Reddy, Sarpanch and Sri. Sai Reddy, Ward Member participated in the programme. Dr. K. Sammi Reddy, Head Division of Resource Management (DRM), Dr. G. Nirmala, PI, Farmer FIRST Project (FFP) & Principal Scientist (Agril. Extension), Dr. K. Ravi Shankar, Principal Scientist (Agril. Extension), Dr. B Narsimlu, Senior Scientist (SWC), Dr. CN Anshida Beevi, Scientist (Agril. Extension), Dr. Jagriti Rohit, Scientist (Agril. Extension) coordinated and participated in the programme.

One day on-campus training program on 'Dryland Horticulture' was organised for farmers of Farmer FIRST village at HRF, ICAR-CRIDA

A one day on-campus training program on 'Dryland Horticulture' was organised for farmers of Farmer FIRST village at Hayatnagar Research Farm (HRF), CRIDA on 16th November 2022. At the outset, farmers visited the horticulture block to have glimpse of management practices of dragon fruits, guava, pomegranate plantations, ash gourds and other vegetables cultivation. Later, field visit to fodder blocks, farm pond of KVK watershed area, farm machinery workshop, NICRA FATE facility was also arranged.

Dr A Gopal Krishna Reddy, Senior Scientist (Horticulture) and Sri G Krishna. SMS, KVK explained on good agriculture practices of vegetables and fruit cultivation followed by Dr Narsimulu, Senior Scientist (SWM) who explained the soil and water conservation practices to be adopted in horticulture crops for higher yield. Around 40 farmers have participated in training program.

Drs M Vanaja, G Pratibha and B Sanjeev Reddy participated as resource persons of the program. The program was coordinated by Scientists of TOT - Drs.G Nirmala, PK Pankaj, K Ravi Shanker and Dr Anshida Beevi.