Nagarjun Talare,Agriculture Extension Officer, pushes seed pelletisation among farmers amid El Niño threats. At recent awareness event in Bandarupally village,Siddipet district,he stressed climate-resilient farming's importance,especially for rainfed crops like red gram facing delayed rains,moisture stress.
Talare warned that El Niño's erratic weather could disrupt germination,crop establishment . To counter,he demonstrated seed pelletisation: coating ‘Beejamrutham-treated’ seeds with clay soil,Ghanajeevamrutham powder,wood ash. Pellets grow three to five times bigger than regular seeds,better shielding against birds,pests.
Pellets stay viable up to six months,even with low moisture. Talare noted seedlings from pellets endure water stress for 25-40 days,ideal for drought-prone areas. He advised planting pellets 5 cm deep for best germination,uniform crop growth.
During event,Talare outlined seed pelletisation's benefits: better moisture retention,synchronized germination,precision sowing. Urged local farmers to adopt this ahead of current season to boost resilience against unpredictable weather.
Practical demo on preparing seed pellets was also held,farmers saw process firsthand. With climate change adding uncertainty to agriculture…will such techniques be enough to sustain crop yields in region?
