August 2026 | Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh

The ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (ICAR-NAARM), Hyderabad, organized an El Niño event-based Agricultural Contingency Plan Implementation Launch Workshop at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Banavasi, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, on 18 August 2026.

The workshop aimed to accelerate the implementation of contingency measures to mitigate the impact of the 2026 El Niño event on agriculture, allied activities and the socio-economic well-being of farming communities in Kurnool district.

Focus on protecting farmers’ livelihoods

Dr. Gopal Lal, Joint Director, ICAR-NAARM, who presided over the programme, emphasized the need for timely, responsive and adequate contingency measures to safeguard the livelihoods of Kurnool farmers affected by the El Niño conditions.

He appreciated the proactive efforts of the ICAR-NAARM team and KVK, Banavasi, in initiating measures aimed at addressing the emerging challenges faced by farmers.

During the workshop, experts explained the methodology used for preparing agricultural contingency plans and discussed the potential severity of the 2026 El Niño scenario. The importance of preparedness and timely intervention was highlighted to minimize risks to agricultural production and rural livelihoods.

The workshop also reviewed the measures already undertaken to address farmers’ needs in Kurnool and identified existing gaps requiring further intervention and coordination.

Experts discuss sector-specific contingency strategies

Scientists and officials from several agricultural research and development institutions participated in the programme and shared contingency strategies from their respective sectors.

Participants represented ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad; ICAR-IIOR, Hyderabad; ICAR-IIOPR, Hyderabad; Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU), Tirupati; Dr. YSR Horticultural University, Venkataramannagudem; Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University (SVVU), Tirupati; Departments of Agriculture and Horticulture; NHRDF, New Delhi; and KVK professionals.

Their discussions focused on practical strategies that could help farmers manage the anticipated impacts of El Niño and strengthen resilience across agriculture and allied sectors.

Exhibition of agricultural inputs

As part of the programme, Dr. Gopal Lal inaugurated an exhibition featuring 11 agricultural input agencies. The exhibition was organized to provide farmers with access to relevant agricultural inputs and information.

Around 400 farmers from Kurnool district participated in the event and benefited from the technical interactions, contingency planning discussions and input exhibition.

The workshop represents an important collaborative effort among agricultural research institutions, universities, government departments and KVK professionals to strengthen preparedness and support farmers during El Niño-affected conditions.

Source: ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (ICAR-NAARM), Hyderabad