Urban meets Rural!

ISRO facilitated Video conferencing between ICRISAT and AMS for DD national video recording program on 11^th July, 2008. The VC started at 11 am on 11^th July, 2008. The concept of Drought vulnerability maps was explained to the farmers of AMS by Ms. Priyanka. Farmers were encouraged to speak about the prevailing drought conditions and the measures they are undertaking to combat drought. Ms. Supriya explained the Vermicomposting procedure to the farmers.


Participants discussed the growing concern for issues relating to `drought', `climatic change' and `global warming'. It was felt that drought is not just the problem of farmers any more and that even urban people have to pay a price for it. Farmers are suggested to take up non-farm income-generation activities in order to supplement their income during the periods of crop-failure as well as to invest in infrastructural facilities like drip-irrigation. Urban people need to be encouraged to buy these products to support the cause.

The session went on well particularly because of the interactive elements included. Farmers solved the Think-out-side the box puzzle! The puzzle itself was introduced slowly building suspense and was first given in a more familar Rangoli (a pattern drawn on the floor/ground comnnecting dots) format. However, they couldn't recognize Mickey mouse - world's most recognized symbol. Probably the younger generation would have recognized it.

Plant introduction - Talinum goes places

I always wonder why I don't find Talinum in Telangana and Rayalseema areas of Andhra Pradesh. Of course I do find this plant occasionally even in these regions, but only in my relatives places who hail from Andhra region.

I strongly believe that this plant has an answer for nutrition security in semi-arid regions as it is highly resistant to drought. The plant thrives well in wet areas but it survives most harsh environments. We are very much attached to it and I managed to have this plant even when I had a very limited growing space.

But when I once had to part with all my plants, I have given all my plants along with the containers to my friends. I have given them for adoption to those who can look after them better than me. But I threw a couple of broken pots containing a few Talinum plants on to the ground from the fourth floor balcony as if I was trying to break my attachment towards them.

An year later, when I was standing in the balcony and looking down at the weeds that germinated after the first showers, I SAW them. I cannot mistake them, bright green oblong succulent leaves of Talinum. They survived the long and hot summer months without a drop of water! They came back to life even though I threw them ruthlessly!!

That moment, I decided to work towards popularizing this plant. I was very happy to see that this plant is listed in Plants for a future database and several others. I was also very much delighted to see this plant finding the first place in my sisters garden, who returned to India and wanted to recreate the domestic garden of our childhood times in the ultra modern Hitech city.



When I was informed that I was to go to Adakkal, this plant came to my mind, and I preferred to carry a Talinum plant in a designer pot instead of my lap top. I collected this plant from one of my friends who adopted my plants a couple of years back.
The plant was well received by Adakkal farmers and I was very much pleased with their reaction. Even if that particular plant dies, the idea or notion of such a plant has taken roots in that area. I will take every opportunity to collect and distribute more such specimens. I wish my future assignment could be popularizing underutilized plants like this. For that matter I like to see all plants listed in the Plants for a future database find a place in a biodiversity park exclusive to such species and promote ecotourism so that entire world (is it too ambitious? Its just a wish! Target population is that. Its O.K.) to know and grow them!!

Alumini meet unexpextedly

While I was still thinking of and planning our Alumini meet at Tirupati, the Alumini meet of the students of all batches of S.V. College of Agriculture came as a pleasant surprise that too without much waiting because it happened on the very same weekend.

We were invited to come along with families and my instant reaction was to take my sister as she was the one who shared my days at that college along with the larvae I was rearing during that time. Finally I went there with my daughter along with Madhavi's family.

The meeting was held in the beautiful Kidwai cottage. The place is far from pollution, unusual serenity brought by age old trees and lotus filled ponds. Although the rest of the things were as expected, introductions, conversations it was thrilling to see how each of us have aged.

Children ...Children...

A view at my blog after posting my messages revealed all children photographs. I asked myself! Why do children figure more on my blog? Do I like children that much? Honestly, No! Then ..?!
Uhm! I too like what children like!!

Global warming song goes places!

To my delight global warming song gets good response! May be because of the theme which is a thrust area now. Dr. Padmaja of ICRISAT got the idea to get the summer camp children sing the song during their valedictory function, when I casually mentioned that I had set a parody song to the tune of `gallo telipotonde' song. The song was being played in the staff bus that time.

When the idea was put forth, children liked it instantaneously. They readily and confidently agreed that they would also come up with an accompanying power point presentation. Although I couldn't make time to attend the function, I now have a few photographs.




Sakti, the NGO with which I was associated earlier, also liked the song and are planning to include it in their Climatic change awareness sessions in rural areas.

Dharitree Dinotsavam - Earthday 2008 at ANGRAU, Hyderabad

Children participated with enthusiasm in the painting competitions held at the ANGRAU Auditorium during Earth Day Celebrations by the Agromet Division of the University. The atmosphere was filled with excitement incited by the Tare Zameen par Phenomena.


Even the senior scientists from different departments and research centers who gathered to address children looked very much excited and seemed to have been gripped by the nostalgic memories of their own childhood.


In spite of a formal stage setting, an unusually informal and cheerful atmosphere prevailed.

Each painting was looked into by the members on the stage, as if they were trying to figure out what the younger generation is trying to convey; the ideas are discussed and the participants are encouraged.

I chanced to witness this charming event when my class mate and friend, Dr. Madhavi invited me to take part in the event. She is now a Senior Scientist at ANGRAU and has been entrusted the responsibility of organizing this event by Dr. Raji Reddy, Head, Agromet Division.

My contribution to the event was the Earth day Song - a parody song with the `gallo telipotonde' tune of Jalsa movie.