GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 
|| MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMER'S WELFARE
Agricultural Extension
Over the past 77 years, the institute has played a pioneering role in tobacco research and development in India, driving progress in varietal improvement, crop management,
and post-harvest technologies. ICAR–NIRCA has empowered farmers to adopt scientific and sustainable cultivation practices through the transfer of newly developed varieties,
innovative production and protection technologies. In particular, FCV tobacco growers have increasingly embraced high-performing varieties and modern agronomic approaches,
resulting in remarkable gains in farm level production efficiency.
In Chilli, Turmeric, Ashwagandha, and Castor crops, the institute is actively exploring avenues for value addition and commercialization to enhance farmers’ income and
promote sustainable growth in the domain of commercial agriculture. Efforts are focused on strengthening post-harvest processing, product diversification, branding, and market
linkage through strategic collaborations and MoUs with public and private organizations. Further exploring opportunities for value addition and export promotion that aim to
transform traditional farming systems into value-driven agri-enterprises, ensuring that farmers benefit from technological innovations, improved market access, and enhanced profitability.
Technology Assessment, Refinement and Demonstration
On farm trial: Evaluating proven research results under farmers conditions for knowing its suitability.
On farm testing: Confirmation of already proven research results under farmer conditions for refinement and wider adoptability.
Front line demonstration: Conducting demonstrations under the close supervision of scientists because the technologies are demonstrated for the first time
by the scientists themselves for knowing field level constraints and for getting direct feedback from the farmers.
Field demonstration: Demonstrations to educate the farmers about proven technologies.
seeing is believing
is the basic philosophy.
Training Programmes:
Tobacco: Need based training programmes are conducted for tobacco farmers, field staff of Tobacco Board & other stakeholders of tobacco industry in order to bridge the
technology adoption gap in the real farm situation and to ensure economic sustainability.
Other Mandated Crops viz., Chilli, Turmeric, Ashwagandha and Castor: For these crops, the training programmes are strategically designed within the framework of commercial
agriculture. These initiatives focus on strengthening the entire value chain from post-production to processing and marketing through activities such as Innovators’ Meets,
Stakeholder Conclaves, Workshops, Brainstorming Sessions etc. Such programmes encourage interaction among researchers, entrepreneurs, FPOs, and industry partners to explore
emerging opportunities, promote value addition, and accelerate the commercialization of technologies for enhanced profitability and rural livelihood growth.
Analysis of Success Stories
A detailed review of the achievements of outstanding farmers brought out the key technological interventions that proved highly effective in improving both yield levels and produce
quality under practical farming conditions. Further, the crops that are having substantial acreage under their cultivation in FCV tobacco growing areas are considered as most likely
next best crops for growing in FCV tobacco areas.
Innovative Methodologies Adopted by ICAR-NIRCA
To attain much promise in sharpening of knowledge and skills of tobacco farmers, ICAR-Central
tobacco research institute, Rajahmundry, A.P. has adopted the innovative methodologies like Model
Project Area Approach, Field Friends, crop phase wise training programmes, mobile based advisory
services and implementing them in convergence with Tobacco Board and other tobacco stakeholders. The
methodologies are intended to promote the adoption of innovative technologies for achieving
increased yields, quality and farm returns.
Convergence approach for training on new technologies:
Tobacco: Many extension service providers in the field are providing different kinds of services and support to farmers. There is duplication of efforts and attending
to extension work without convergence. A coordinated effort was taken up by all the stakeholders on inclusion of representatives from ICAR-NIRCA, Tobacco Board-GoI,
Trade & Industry and achiever farmers in addressing the issues in a participatory mode. The approach is adopted every season in all the regions of tobacco cultivation
falling under different auction platforms of Tobacco Board.
Turmeric, Chilli, Castor, and Ashwagandha: To strengthen value addition and promote a unified approach towards commercial agriculture & as a move towards strengthening of
functional linkages, ICAR–NIRCA has entered into several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading public and private organizations working in the domains of processing,
value addition, and agri-business development. In addition, the institute is making stringent efforts in the process of creating data base of different farmers groups, farmer
producer organizations and other stakeholders relevant to the mandated crops.
Field Friends Programmes:
• The potential extension providers in tobacco are identified and made partners in field friends programmes. Representatives from ICAR-NIRCA
scientists, Tobacco Board officials, Trade members and progressive farmers together visiting tobacco fields, identify the major problem if any and advocating viable
remedy if farmer is readily present. If farmer is not available, display the remedy on suitable paper and keeping it as a flag in the field.
Diagnostic visits
• Considering the ever-dynamic nature of climate and the evolving challenges, farmers require constant and robust knowledge backup from different sources and related support to integrate
all the knowledge in their production context.
• During the times of weather vagaries, a team of scientists from the institute along with officials from Tobacco Board and Trade inspect the tobacco fields and advise the tobacco farmers on
in-season contingency measures.
Mobile based advisory services:
• Extension in FCV tobacco is now becoming more diversified, technology intensive, knowledge oriented and more demand driven. Mobile phone penetration in rural areas expanded rapidly.
Hence, using mobiles to communicate tobacco technology directly to farmers at a faster rate. The FCV Tobacco mobile app developed by institute helps in bridging knowledge gap among farmers.
• E advisories are provided through whatsapp groups created region wise for the benefit of tobacco growers and information is provided on timely basis to the farmers. It is an excellent platform
to develop and disseminate localized advisories to farmers.
Exhibitions and Public Outreach
• Participation in regional Krishi Melas, Farmers’ Days, and Trade Fairs showcasing institute technologies, value-added products, and research activities
Social media
• Connectivity with farmers has long been cited as a serious lacunae of extension services. Social media is a highly relevant and beneficial platform for extension personnel to engage
with farmers. The institute regularly updates the information on institute website, facebook, youtube, linkedin and twitter.
• Additionally, short informative videos in the manadated crops are produced and circulated through these platforms to effectively communicate key messages and reach the unreached,
thereby enhancing visibility of the institute.
To make technology dissemination more demand-driven and accessible to small and marginal farmers, ICAR–NIRCA has adopted a participatory approach, actively involving farmers and
stakeholders in planning, implementation, and feedback mechanisms. The institute also provides need-based advisory services to ensure that technological solutions remain relevant and
practical under field conditions. The transfer of developed technologies has enabled farmers to effectively adopt recommended interventions. All extension and outreach initiatives organized
by ICAR–NIRCA and its six research stations have evoked an excellent response and active participation from farmers in the mandated crops. This strong engagement reflects the institute’s
close association with the farming community and its effective role in promoting technological transformation and capacity building at the grassroots level.
Extension activities
1. Training and demonstration was conducted on farm tools and implements at interior tribal hamlet, chinnayapalem, Jeddangi panchayat, Rajavommangi mandal, East Godavari on 30.1.2025 under TSP.
Method Demonstration was conducted on spraying method with battery operated sprayers by using recommended chemicals.
2. Training and demonstration on drudgery reducing devices (topping tools and bale pressing machines) was conducted at Kannapuram village, Koyyalagudem auction platform on 14.2.2025.
On farm demonstration was conducted on topping tools and bale pressing machines.
3. ICAR-NIRCA Conducted Field visit to Bobbilanka village on 16.2.2025
4. Field day on new suckercide-Sucker stop was conducted on 25.2.2025 at ICAR-NIRCA RS Jeelugumilli
5. Innovators Meet was organized on 8.4.2025. Researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, industry experts, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) participated.
6. ICAR-NIRCA organized Turmeric Stakeholder Conclave on 11th April 2025 at ICAR-NIRCA, Rajahmundry. The event brought together turmeric farmers from major turmeric-producing regions viz.,
Lambasingi, Paderu, Ravulapalem, Duggirala, and Peravali in Andhra Pradesh along with Farmer Producer Organizations, producer associations, women entrepreneurs, self-help groups, NGOs, and Industry leaders.
7. Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan” (VKSA) launched by ICAR from 29.5.2025 to 12.6.2025 formed part of the VKSA Pre-Kharif Campaign 2025, aimed at educating and mobilizing farmers on climate-resilient
and sustainable practices before the onset of the kharif season. The visit created awareness, encouraged preparedness, and demonstrated technologies that can help improve crop productivity and
farm profitability in the identified districts.
8. A one-day training programme and demonstration was organized at ICAR–NIRCA, Rajahmundry, to create awareness and promote adoption of heat pump-based chilli drying technology among chilli
FPO members and farmers from Kakinada district under the NABARD Sponsored Project on “Strengthening Chilli Farm Sector through Innovative Drying Interventions on 24 September 2025. The event aimed
to enhance farmers’ technical understanding of scientific drying practices and post-harvest value addition to improve quality, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure better price realization.
9. A one-day training programme and demonstration on Turmeric Processing Technology was organized at ICAR–NIRCA, Rajahmundry, on 27 October 2025 under the NABARD-sponsored project on “Bolstering
of Turmeric Farmers through Innovative Post-Harvest Processing in Turmeric.” The event aimed to create awareness and promote the adoption of improved post-harvest technologies among turmeric farmers and
Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) members of East Godavari district to enhance product quality, reduce losses, and ensure better market returns.
10. Sensitisation programme of NLS Farmers on Sustainable Practices in Tobacco was conducted on 20.08.2025
11. Awareness Programme on Health and Nutrition was conducted on 17th October 2025 to Tribal Women under TSP at village Nuvganti Palem, Yerram Reddy Palem mandal, Y Ramavaram Mandal of ASR District
Dissemination of ICAR-NIRCA Technologies and Institutional Programs through Social Media Videos for Stakeholder Benefit
As a part of technology popularization and institutional visibility initiatives, ICAR-NIRCA has developed a series of informative and visually engaging videos. These videos showcase various technologies,
research outputs, and institute-led programs. The content is tailored to meet the needs and understanding of diverse stakeholders including farmers, extension workers, agri-entrepreneurs, policymakers, and
researchers. By leveraging social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram, ICAR-NIRCA ensures that this content is widely accessible, timely, and impactful. These videos
serve as an effective tool to raise awareness, demonstrate best practices, and encourage the wider adoption of technologies.
The details of videos compiled and posted since January 2025 are given below.
S.N
Topic
Date
1. ICAR-NIRCA LC-MS/MS 7.2.25 2. Tobacco Genetic Resources 14.2.25 3. ICAR-NIRCA FIELD VISIT 17.2.25 4. ICAR-NIRCA SCSP PROGRAM 18.2.25 5. ICAR-NIRCA GERMPLASM FIELD DAY 21.2.25 6. TOBACCO TOPPING TOOL 3.3.25 7. ICAR-NIRCA SUCKER STOP FIELD DEMO 7.3.25 8. ICAR-NIRCA GCMS 3.4.25 9. ICAR-NIRCA INNOVATORS MEET 21.4.25 10. ICAR-NIRCA Turmeric Stakeholders Conclave 22.4.25 11. ICAR-NIRCA Soil Testing Laboratory 08.05.25 12. NIRCA Media coverage 08.05.25 13. Agri spray drone 31.07.25
Agricultural Extension
Over the past 77 years, the institute has played a pioneering role in tobacco research and development in India, driving progress in varietal improvement, crop management, and post-harvest technologies. ICAR–NIRCA has empowered farmers to adopt scientific and sustainable cultivation practices through the transfer of newly developed varieties, innovative production and protection technologies. In particular, FCV tobacco growers have increasingly embraced high-performing varieties and modern agronomic approaches, resulting in remarkable gains in farm level production efficiency.
In Chilli, Turmeric, Ashwagandha, and Castor crops, the institute is actively exploring avenues for value addition and commercialization to enhance farmers’ income and promote sustainable growth in the domain of commercial agriculture. Efforts are focused on strengthening post-harvest processing, product diversification, branding, and market linkage through strategic collaborations and MoUs with public and private organizations. Further exploring opportunities for value addition and export promotion that aim to transform traditional farming systems into value-driven agri-enterprises, ensuring that farmers benefit from technological innovations, improved market access, and enhanced profitability.
Technology Assessment, Refinement and Demonstration
On farm trial: Evaluating proven research results under farmers conditions for knowing its suitability.
On farm testing: Confirmation of already proven research results under farmer conditions for refinement and wider adoptability.
Front line demonstration: Conducting demonstrations under the close supervision of scientists because the technologies are demonstrated for the first time
by the scientists themselves for knowing field level constraints and for getting direct feedback from the farmers.
Field demonstration: Demonstrations to educate the farmers about proven technologies.
seeing is believing
is the basic philosophy.
Training Programmes:
Tobacco: Need based training programmes are conducted for tobacco farmers, field staff of Tobacco Board & other stakeholders of tobacco industry in order to bridge the technology adoption gap in the real farm situation and to ensure economic sustainability.
Other Mandated Crops viz., Chilli, Turmeric, Ashwagandha and Castor: For these crops, the training programmes are strategically designed within the framework of commercial agriculture. These initiatives focus on strengthening the entire value chain from post-production to processing and marketing through activities such as Innovators’ Meets, Stakeholder Conclaves, Workshops, Brainstorming Sessions etc. Such programmes encourage interaction among researchers, entrepreneurs, FPOs, and industry partners to explore emerging opportunities, promote value addition, and accelerate the commercialization of technologies for enhanced profitability and rural livelihood growth.
Analysis of Success Stories
A detailed review of the achievements of outstanding farmers brought out the key technological interventions that proved highly effective in improving both yield levels and produce quality under practical farming conditions. Further, the crops that are having substantial acreage under their cultivation in FCV tobacco growing areas are considered as most likely next best crops for growing in FCV tobacco areas.
Innovative Methodologies Adopted by ICAR-NIRCA
To attain much promise in sharpening of knowledge and skills of tobacco farmers, ICAR-Central tobacco research institute, Rajahmundry, A.P. has adopted the innovative methodologies like Model Project Area Approach, Field Friends, crop phase wise training programmes, mobile based advisory services and implementing them in convergence with Tobacco Board and other tobacco stakeholders. The methodologies are intended to promote the adoption of innovative technologies for achieving increased yields, quality and farm returns.
Convergence approach for training on new technologies:
Tobacco: Many extension service providers in the field are providing different kinds of services and support to farmers. There is duplication of efforts and attending to extension work without convergence. A coordinated effort was taken up by all the stakeholders on inclusion of representatives from ICAR-NIRCA, Tobacco Board-GoI, Trade & Industry and achiever farmers in addressing the issues in a participatory mode. The approach is adopted every season in all the regions of tobacco cultivation falling under different auction platforms of Tobacco Board.
Turmeric, Chilli, Castor, and Ashwagandha: To strengthen value addition and promote a unified approach towards commercial agriculture & as a move towards strengthening of functional linkages, ICAR–NIRCA has entered into several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading public and private organizations working in the domains of processing, value addition, and agri-business development. In addition, the institute is making stringent efforts in the process of creating data base of different farmers groups, farmer producer organizations and other stakeholders relevant to the mandated crops.
Field Friends Programmes:
• The potential extension providers in tobacco are identified and made partners in field friends programmes. Representatives from ICAR-NIRCA scientists, Tobacco Board officials, Trade members and progressive farmers together visiting tobacco fields, identify the major problem if any and advocating viable remedy if farmer is readily present. If farmer is not available, display the remedy on suitable paper and keeping it as a flag in the field.
Diagnostic visits
• Considering the ever-dynamic nature of climate and the evolving challenges, farmers require constant and robust knowledge backup from different sources and related support to integrate all the knowledge in their production context.
• During the times of weather vagaries, a team of scientists from the institute along with officials from Tobacco Board and Trade inspect the tobacco fields and advise the tobacco farmers on in-season contingency measures.
Mobile based advisory services:
• Extension in FCV tobacco is now becoming more diversified, technology intensive, knowledge oriented and more demand driven. Mobile phone penetration in rural areas expanded rapidly. Hence, using mobiles to communicate tobacco technology directly to farmers at a faster rate. The FCV Tobacco mobile app developed by institute helps in bridging knowledge gap among farmers.
• E advisories are provided through whatsapp groups created region wise for the benefit of tobacco growers and information is provided on timely basis to the farmers. It is an excellent platform to develop and disseminate localized advisories to farmers.
Exhibitions and Public Outreach
• Participation in regional Krishi Melas, Farmers’ Days, and Trade Fairs showcasing institute technologies, value-added products, and research activities
Social media
• Connectivity with farmers has long been cited as a serious lacunae of extension services. Social media is a highly relevant and beneficial platform for extension personnel to engage with farmers. The institute regularly updates the information on institute website, facebook, youtube, linkedin and twitter.
• Additionally, short informative videos in the manadated crops are produced and circulated through these platforms to effectively communicate key messages and reach the unreached, thereby enhancing visibility of the institute.
To make technology dissemination more demand-driven and accessible to small and marginal farmers, ICAR–NIRCA has adopted a participatory approach, actively involving farmers and stakeholders in planning, implementation, and feedback mechanisms. The institute also provides need-based advisory services to ensure that technological solutions remain relevant and practical under field conditions. The transfer of developed technologies has enabled farmers to effectively adopt recommended interventions. All extension and outreach initiatives organized by ICAR–NIRCA and its six research stations have evoked an excellent response and active participation from farmers in the mandated crops. This strong engagement reflects the institute’s close association with the farming community and its effective role in promoting technological transformation and capacity building at the grassroots level.
Extension activities
1. Training and demonstration was conducted on farm tools and implements at interior tribal hamlet, chinnayapalem, Jeddangi panchayat, Rajavommangi mandal, East Godavari on 30.1.2025 under TSP. Method Demonstration was conducted on spraying method with battery operated sprayers by using recommended chemicals.
2. Training and demonstration on drudgery reducing devices (topping tools and bale pressing machines) was conducted at Kannapuram village, Koyyalagudem auction platform on 14.2.2025. On farm demonstration was conducted on topping tools and bale pressing machines.
3. ICAR-NIRCA Conducted Field visit to Bobbilanka village on 16.2.2025
4. Field day on new suckercide-Sucker stop was conducted on 25.2.2025 at ICAR-NIRCA RS Jeelugumilli
5. Innovators Meet was organized on 8.4.2025. Researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, industry experts, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) participated.
6. ICAR-NIRCA organized Turmeric Stakeholder Conclave on 11th April 2025 at ICAR-NIRCA, Rajahmundry. The event brought together turmeric farmers from major turmeric-producing regions viz., Lambasingi, Paderu, Ravulapalem, Duggirala, and Peravali in Andhra Pradesh along with Farmer Producer Organizations, producer associations, women entrepreneurs, self-help groups, NGOs, and Industry leaders.
7. Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan” (VKSA) launched by ICAR from 29.5.2025 to 12.6.2025 formed part of the VKSA Pre-Kharif Campaign 2025, aimed at educating and mobilizing farmers on climate-resilient and sustainable practices before the onset of the kharif season. The visit created awareness, encouraged preparedness, and demonstrated technologies that can help improve crop productivity and farm profitability in the identified districts.
8. A one-day training programme and demonstration was organized at ICAR–NIRCA, Rajahmundry, to create awareness and promote adoption of heat pump-based chilli drying technology among chilli FPO members and farmers from Kakinada district under the NABARD Sponsored Project on “Strengthening Chilli Farm Sector through Innovative Drying Interventions on 24 September 2025. The event aimed to enhance farmers’ technical understanding of scientific drying practices and post-harvest value addition to improve quality, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure better price realization.
9. A one-day training programme and demonstration on Turmeric Processing Technology was organized at ICAR–NIRCA, Rajahmundry, on 27 October 2025 under the NABARD-sponsored project on “Bolstering of Turmeric Farmers through Innovative Post-Harvest Processing in Turmeric.” The event aimed to create awareness and promote the adoption of improved post-harvest technologies among turmeric farmers and Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) members of East Godavari district to enhance product quality, reduce losses, and ensure better market returns.
10. Sensitisation programme of NLS Farmers on Sustainable Practices in Tobacco was conducted on 20.08.2025
11. Awareness Programme on Health and Nutrition was conducted on 17th October 2025 to Tribal Women under TSP at village Nuvganti Palem, Yerram Reddy Palem mandal, Y Ramavaram Mandal of ASR District
Dissemination of ICAR-NIRCA Technologies and Institutional Programs through Social Media Videos for Stakeholder Benefit
As a part of technology popularization and institutional visibility initiatives, ICAR-NIRCA has developed a series of informative and visually engaging videos. These videos showcase various technologies, research outputs, and institute-led programs. The content is tailored to meet the needs and understanding of diverse stakeholders including farmers, extension workers, agri-entrepreneurs, policymakers, and researchers. By leveraging social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram, ICAR-NIRCA ensures that this content is widely accessible, timely, and impactful. These videos serve as an effective tool to raise awareness, demonstrate best practices, and encourage the wider adoption of technologies.
The details of videos compiled and posted since January 2025 are given below.
| S.N | Topic | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | ICAR-NIRCA LC-MS/MS | 7.2.25 |
| 2. | Tobacco Genetic Resources | 14.2.25 |
| 3. | ICAR-NIRCA FIELD VISIT | 17.2.25 |
| 4. | ICAR-NIRCA SCSP PROGRAM | 18.2.25 |
| 5. | ICAR-NIRCA GERMPLASM FIELD DAY | 21.2.25 |
| 6. | TOBACCO TOPPING TOOL | 3.3.25 |
| 7. | ICAR-NIRCA SUCKER STOP FIELD DEMO | 7.3.25 |
| 8. | ICAR-NIRCA GCMS | 3.4.25 |
| 9. | ICAR-NIRCA INNOVATORS MEET | 21.4.25 |
| 10. | ICAR-NIRCA Turmeric Stakeholders Conclave | 22.4.25 |
| 11. | ICAR-NIRCA Soil Testing Laboratory | 08.05.25 |
| 12. | NIRCA Media coverage | 08.05.25 |
| 13. | Agri spray drone | 31.07.25 |