6-Day Rural Youth and Farmer Training Programme on Modern Agriculture and Agribusiness Management | Palem, Telangana
20–25 July 2026 | Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Palem
Agriculture is changing rapidly, and today’s farmers are not just producers; they are entrepreneurs, innovators and decision-makers. Recognising this need, Cornell Sathguru Foundation for Development (CSFD), with the financial support of Madison Global and technical partnership with Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU) and Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Palem, organised a six-day training programme for Rural Youth and Farmers on Modern Agriculture and Agribusiness Management from 20 to 25 July 2026.
The programme brought together 43 young farmers from across Telangana, creating a space for practical learning, scientific interaction, exposure to successful enterprises and discussions on emerging opportunities in agriculture.
From the Classroom to the Farm
The training went beyond conventional classroom-based learning. Through exposure visits, participants visited successful model units and farms in sericulture, poultry and fish farming, allowing them to see different agricultural enterprises developed into sustainable businesses.
Visits to the Centre of Excellence at Jeedimetla and Mulugu further introduced the farmers to modern horticulture practices, new technologies and government schemes and programmes available to support agricultural development.
NABARD official delivered an insightful session on the latest schemes and initiatives supporting the agricultural sector, while highlighting the strategic importance of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and the need to view them not merely as collectives, but as sustainable and commercially viable business entities.
Bringing Modern Agriculture Closer to Farmers
The training focused on practical and relevant topics that can help farmers improve productivity, reduce risks and explore new income opportunities. Key areas included:
- Climate-resilient crops and integrated farming practices
- Entrepreneurship and agribusiness development
- Integrated pest and disease management
- Smart agriculture technologies
- Drone-based applications in agriculture
- Smart micro-irrigation systems
- Crop residue management
- Organic and sustainable farming practices
- Government schemes and support opportunities
CSFD facilitated an interaction with a successful organic farming practitioner, adding a valuable real-world perspective, allowing participants to learn directly from the progressive farmer’s experience, challenges and journey.
Connecting Science with the Field
One of the key highlights of the CSFD programme was the direct interaction between farmers and the scientists of RARS, Palem.
These interactions created an important bridge between “lab and land”, allowing farmers to openly discuss their challenges, ask questions and seek practical solutions. Scientists addressed critical concerns raised by the participants and shared recommendations relevant to improving farm sustainability and productivity.
For the farmers, this was more than an interaction; it was an opportunity to connect scientific knowledge with the realities of farming at the field level.
From Farmers to Agri-Entrepreneurs
Perhaps the most encouraging outcome of the six-day programme was the change in the participants’ outlook.
When they arrived, many farmers came with limited expectations about what the training could offer. Six days later, they left with technical knowledge, practical exposure and, most importantly, a renewed confidence in their own potential.
With smiles on their faces, the participants expressed their appreciation for being associated with CSFD and the learning opportunities provided through the programme. They returned to their villages not simply as farmers who had completed a training programme, but as individuals looking at agriculture through a new lens of sustainability, technology, entrepreneurship and opportunity.
The programme reinforced an important message:
Agriculture is not only a way of life, but it can also be a sustainable and profitable business when knowledge, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship come together.
Through initiatives such as these, Cornell Sathguru Foundation continues to support rural youth and farmers with the knowledge, exposure and confidence needed to build resilient livelihoods and a more sustainable future for agriculture.
