ICAR-IIRR organized ICT based training programs on Improved Rice Production Technology

            An off-campus training program on ‘Improved rice production technology’ was organized at Cheruvu Jammulapalem, Bapatla Mandal, Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh on 10/10/2022. Dr.B.Sailaja, PS(Computer Applns.) explained about the use of ‘Rice mobile app’ developed by ICAR-IIRR. The app was installed on the mobile phones of the farmers. Several applications of the app were discussed with the farmers. Diagnosis of the pests and diseases using the app, was narrated by Dr.D.Krishnaveni, PS(Pathology), ICAR-IIRR. Awareness on the possible solutions after diagnosis by using the app was also created among the farmers. Dr.B.Nirmala, Senior Scientist(Agricultural Economics),ICAR-IIRR elaborated upon the importance of the app in helping to take up timely crop protection measures and for profitable rice production. On 11/10/2022, under ICAR-IIRR-SCSP a similar training program was organized at Etheru village of Bapatla mandal of Andhra Pradesh.  The farmers reported leaf folder incidence in rice. Dr.D.Krishnaveni suggested solutions for the control/management of the leaf folder and IPM strategies. Dr.B.Nirmala emphasized upon the importance of Integrated nutrient management in rice and demonstrated the use of Leaf Color Charts developed by ICAR-IIRR. The LCCs were distributed to the farmers.About 25 farmers attended the program. These ICT based training programs were coordinated by Drs.B.Sailaja, B.Nirmala and D.Krishnaveni.