Dr. Rajbir Singh, Hon’ble Deputy Director General (Agricultural Extension), ICAR, visited ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Hirehalli on 08 November 2025, accompanied by Dr. Venkatasubramanian, Director, ICAR–ATARI, Bengaluru. The dignitaries were warmly received by Dr. Loganandhan, Principal Scientist & Head, KVK Hirehalli, along with the KVK team.

During the visit, the DDG (Agril. Extension) was taken around various production and processing facilities of the KVK. The team visited the Foliar Micronutrient Production Unit, Arka Microbial Consortium Production Unit, Honey Processing Unit, Soil, Water and Plant Analysis Laboratory, Neem & Pongamia Soap Production Unit, and the Vegetable Seed Processing Unit. Dr. Rajbir Singh appreciated the commendable work carried out by the KVK, particularly acknowledging the high-quality production maintained across these units.

The dignitaries then proceeded to the KVK Instructional Farm, where they observed the nursery unit, fruit crop demonstration blocks, and the Jeevamrutha and Bio-digester production units. The DDG interacted with nursery grafting workers, skilled labourers, and field staff, appreciating their contributions to the farm’s productivity and outreach.

Later, at the KVK Administrative Building, Dr. Loganandhan delivered a brief presentation on the NICRA (National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture) initiatives implemented by KVK Hirehalli. The session was followed by an interaction with all KVK staff members, during which the DDG provided valuable insights and words of encouragement. Dr. Loganandhan also felicitated the Hon’ble DDG on this occasion.

Following the KVK visit, the team travelled to D. Nagenahalli, the NICRA-adopted village under Koratagere taluk, Tumakuru district. The DDG reviewed several Natural Resource Management (NRM) interventions such as check-dams, ridge and furrow systems, and water harvesting structures established across farmers’ fields. The visit also included an inspection of the newly constructed Amla Sun Drying Facility of Mr. Mahesh, a progressive farmer from the village.

The DDG interacted with NICRA farmers, who shared their experiences and highlighted the significant benefits and support they have been receiving from KVK Hirehalli over the past decade. The visit concluded with an appreciation of the sustained efforts of KVK Hirehalli in improving climate resilience and strengthening livelihood opportunities for farming communities.