Results of research should benefit farmers: Collector

District Collector K. Vetri Selvi emphasized that the outcomes of agricultural research should directly benefit farmers, and that farmers should be educated on advanced farming techniques. The Collector visited the Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research (ICAR) Centre at Pedavegi on Tuesday, where she interacted with the centre’s director and scientists.
Speaking on the occasion, Collector Vetri Selvi stated that the findings from research laboratories would only be valuable if they are effectively communicated and applied at the field level. She stressed that the research outcomes would be most impactful when they reach the farmers and improve their practices on the ground.
The Collector further highlighted that Eluru district has emerged as a leader in oil palm cultivation in the state. She pointed out that increasing awareness of modern farming methods among oil palm farmers is crucial for enhancing productivity.
Dr. Kancharla Suresh, Director of the Oil Palm ICAR Centre, shared that oil palm is cultivated in 2.29 lakh hectares across the state, with Eluru district alone accounting for 80,000 hectares. He explained that besides cooking oil, various products can be derived from the waste of the oil palm crop, and farmers should be educated about these opportunities to maximize the crop’s potential.
Later, the Collector visited the tissue culture laboratory and museum at the Oil Palm ICAR Centre. Scientists from the centre, including Dr. M.V. Prasad, Dr. K. Manorama, Dr. K. Ramachandrudu, G. Ravichandran, Horticulture DD Ram Mohan, and Micro Irrigation Project PD Ravi Kumar, accompanied the Collector during her visit.