Field Day on Safflower under CFLD: Empowering Farmers for Self-Reliance in Oilseed Production
Promoting sustainable oilseed production through improved technologies and scientific farming practices is essential for achieving India's goal of self-reliance in edible oils. In this direction, DDS–Krishi Vigyan Kendra organized a Field Day on safflower on 13 March 2026 at Khasimpur village, Zaheerabad Mandal, Sangareddy district, under the Cluster Front Line Demonstration (CFLD) programme implemented through the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-OS).
The field day served as a platform for farmers to witness the performance of the improved safflower variety PBNS-86, which has shown excellent adaptability to the semi-arid conditions of the Zaheerabad region. Demonstrations were conducted across 50 hectares, involving 125 farmers from four villages in Zaheerabad, Nyalkal, Raikode and Kangti mandals. The programme highlighted the potential of improved varieties and scientific crop management practices in enhancing oilseed productivity.
A key attraction of the programme was the demonstration of eco-friendly crop management practices. Farmers were introduced to bio-inputs supplied through the Bio-Input Resource Centre (BRC), including pheromone traps, yellow sticky traps, Panchagavya, Dashaparni Kashayam, NPK microbial consortium, Beauveria, Trichoderma, and Metarhizium. These inputs were explained as sustainable alternatives for integrated nutrient and pest management, helping farmers reduce dependence on chemical inputs while improving crop health.
The field day also encouraged interactive learning. Farmers shared their observations on the crop's vigorous growth, good branching and the reduced incidence of wild boar damage due to the spiny nature of the improved variety. Their positive feedback reflected growing confidence in safflower as a profitable and resilient oilseed crop for the region.
The programme was led by Dr. Sai Priyanka Pagadala, SMS (Agricultural Extension) with technical support from Mr. V. Ramesh, SMS (Crop Production) and Dr. N. Snehalatha, SMS (Plant Protection) who provided continuous field monitoring and scientific guidance throughout the demonstration period. The programme was organized under the guidance of Dr. C. Vara Prasad, Senior Scientist & Head, DDS–KVK, with the active support of the KVK technical team.
Through initiatives like the CFLD programme, DDS–KVK continues to bridge the gap between research and field-level adoption by demonstrating proven technologies under farmers conditions. Such programmes not only enhance productivity and sustainability but also strengthen farmers confidence in adopting improved agricultural practices.
As India strives to reduce its dependence on imported edible oils, promoting improved oilseed technologies through field demonstrations and farmer-centric extension programmes remains a crucial step towards building a resilient, productive and self-reliant agricultural sector.
Testimonial – Gopal Reddy, Rejinthal Village
"I cultivated the safflower variety PBNS-86 on 2 acres and expect a yield of about 10 quintals per acre. The crop showed vigorous growth, good branching, and performed well even under limited moisture conditions. Its spiny nature also reduced damage from wild boars. With the technical guidance of KVK scientists and the use of bio-inputs, I was able to manage the crop effectively. I believe safflower is a profitable oilseed crop and encourage other farmers to adopt this improved variety and the recommended cultivation practices."
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