Success of Godavari Pigeonpea Variety : A Boost to Farmers' Prosperity - Hon’ble VC Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani

A field visit and farmers' meeting focusing on the Godavari Pigeonpea variety, released by Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, was successfully organized on 12 December in Pisre and Sarafdoh villages of Karmala taluka of Solapur district. The event, hosted by Pani Foundation, Agricultural Research Station, Badnapur (Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University) and ATMA Karmala, attracted significant attention from farmers and experts alike. 

The event was presided over by Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani, with the distinguished presence of Pani Foundation CEO Shri Satyajeet Bhatkal, Principal Scientist and Plant Breeding Dr. Deepak Patil, Senior Scientist (Agronomy) and Officer In-Charge Dr. K.T. Jadhav,  Pulse Breeder (MPKV Rahuri) Dr Nandkumar Kute, Soil Science  scientist (MPKV Rahuri) Dr Durgude, Taluka Agriculture Officer Shri Deorao Chavan, and Agricultural Officer Shri D.L. Mohite.

In his presidential address, Hon. Vice Chancellor Dr. Indra Mani, stated that to uplift the lives of farmers, the government established agricultural universities in Maharashtra. The knowledge confined within the walls of these universities has been effectively implemented in the field through the guidance of the Pani Foundation in Karmala Taluka. As a result, farmer groups participating in the Farmers Cup competition in Karmala taluka have embraced innovative practices, ensuring a record production of Pigeonpea in the region this year. Also this achievement will undoubtedly contribute to the progress of farmers, said Hon. Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani.

The event also featured guidance from Pani Foundation CEO Shri Satyajeet Bhatkal, Taluka Agriculture Officer Shri Deorao Chavan, and Agricultural Officer Shri D.L. Mohite. The program began with an introduction by Pani Foundation’s Regional Coordinator Satyawan Deshmukh.

The Godavari variety, cultivated using drip irrigation and adhering to standard operating procedures provided by the Pani Foundation, has demonstrated exceptional performance. Guided by Agricultural Research Station Badanapur scientists of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth Parbhani, farmers have reported remarkable outcomes, showcasing the variety's suitability for the region. 

During the event, farmers shared their positive experiences with the Godavari variety, which is now cultivated across approximately 400 hectares in Karmala taluka and is expanding in Solapur district. The crop is expected to yield over 10 quintals per acre this year, delighting farmers with its productivity and resilience. 

A highlight of the program was a question-and-answer session that allowed farmers to directly interact with experts. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Dr. Indra Mani also recognized several farmers' groups and an individual farmer for achieving the highest Pigeonpea yield in the previous year's state-level crop competition.  The success of the Godavari Pigeonpea variety, combined with the dedication of scientists, the Pani Foundation, and farmers, underscores its growing popularity and potential to enhance agricultural productivity in the region. 

The proceedings were conducted by Taluka Coordinator Ashish Lad, while the vote of thanks was presented by Ajay Kumar Bagal from the ATMA Agriculture Department. Over 400 farmers from 35 farmers' groups of the in Karmala participated with major role from the "Jidd Shetkari Group" and "Jijau’s Leki Farmers Group", making it a significant gathering for the agricultural community.