In India, tribal farmers often face persistent challenges such as limited access to improved crop varieties, weak market linkages, frequent pest outbreaks, and minimal exposure to modern agricultural practices. These limitations have led to low agricultural productivity and unstable incomes. This was especially evident in the tribal hamlets of Mahabubabad district, Telangana, where farmers in villages like Megya Thanda of Malyal Gram Panchayath predominantly relied on local chilli varieties and low-input agriculture. Chilli cultivation, once a key crop in the region, declined sharply due to erratic weather, pest outbreaks—particularly leaf curl virus and poor market returns. Many smallholder farmers juggled farming with agricultural labour to support their families. The traditional chilli varieties they grew were highly susceptible to leaf curl virus, resulting in poor yields and rising input costs, especially on pesticides.
To address these challenges, ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, launched a targeted intervention under its Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) in collaboration with JVR Horticultural Research Station (HRS), Malyal, Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University (SKLTSHU). The initiative aimed to empower tribal farmers through a combination of need assessment, knowledge dissemination, seed and input support, training programs, and expert interaction. In 2023–24, the program began by identifying major chilli-growing belts in Telangana, followed by awareness campaigns, farmer–scientist interaction meetings, and capacity-building programs. Visits and continuous support were rendered by subject matter specialists Dr K Madhavi Reddy, Dr Naresh Ponnam, Dr Athequalla from ICAR-IIHR and Mr Bhaskar from JVRHRS, Malyal and farmers were sensitized about IIHR F1 hybrids and good agricultural practices. On 24.01.2024, Field Day cum Farmer’s Training Programme on chilli was conducted where the F1 hybrids of ICAR-IIHR were demonstrated for the farmers of region.
After receiving the feedback from the farmers, on October 4, 2024, at the Malyala Raitu Vedika (Farmers' Platform), a training program was conducted on Good Agricultural Practices in Chilli by Dr. T. H. Singh (Principal Scientist, ICAR-IIHR), Dr. Ponnam Naresh (Senior Scientist, ICAR-IIHR), Mr. Kattula Nagaraju and created awareness on GAP in chilli, Southeast Asian thrip management, fertilizer management, and post-harvest measures in chilli. As part of the Scheduled Tribe Sub-Plan, to promote livelihood of the tribal farmers, chilli F1 hybrids Arka Tejasvi seeds for commercial cultivation, crop specific micronutrient mixtures (Arka Vegetable Special), Neem Soap, bio-fertilizers (Arka Microbial Consortium), and vegetable seed kits were distributed to the to the farmers. Further the farmers were supported on good agricultural practices on regular basis by the experts Dr Naresh Ponnam, Dr T.H. Singh, Dr V. Sridhar, Dr Atheequalla from ICAR- IIHR and Mr. Kattula Nagaraju and Mr. Prasanth from JVR HRS, Malyal, SKLTSHU.
A major milestone was the Field Day and Training Program held on January 31, 2025, at JVR HRS, Malyal, which attracted over 250 SC/ST farmers. The focus was on showcasing the performance of Arka Tejasvi, a chilli F1 hybrid known for its tolerance to leaf curl virus, high yield potential, and reduced dependence on chemical pesticides. The event was graced by Dr. T.K. Behera, Director, ICAR-IIHR, and Dr. D. Rajireddy, Vice-Chancellor, SKLTSHU, alongside experts Dr. Ponnam Naresh (Chilli Breeder), Dr. V Sridhar (Entomologist), Dr P Naveen Kumar (Head, Division of Flower Crops) and Mr. Kattula Nagaraju (Scientist & Head, JVR HRS), Mr. Prashanth Kumar (Plant Pathologist, JVR HRS) and KVK scientists viz., Dr. Malathi (Entomologist) and Dr. Rambabu (Horticulture) who offered practical advice on pest management, fertilizer application, crop rotation, and post-harvest techniques.
Among the many beneficiaries, Mr. Boda Veeranna emerged as a notable success story. Prior to the intervention, Mr. Veeranna faced repeated crop losses due to leaf curl infestations and had little income security. However, after adopting the Arka Tejasvi F1 hybrid and following integrated pest management (IPM) practices—with support from scientists Mr. Kattula Nagaraju—his fortunes changed. He achieved a yield of 3 MT per acre, with a gross return of ₹3.75 lakhs and a net return of ₹2.65 lakhs per acre. His pesticide costs were significantly reduced due to the hybrid’s built-in resistance. Veeranna reported very low leaf curl incidence and acceptable levels of thrips infestation. Grateful for the transformation, he said, “Arka Tejasvi changed my income, my outlook, and my respect in the village.” His achievements were formally recognized during the Field Day by leadership from ICAR-IIHR and SKLTSHU on 31.02.2025 and also at National Horticultural Fair-2025 held at Bengaluru by receiving best farmer award from Sushri Shobha Karandlaje Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Labour and Employment, Government of India on 27.02.2025.
Mr. Veeranna’s success had a ripple effect, inspiring farmers in surrounding villages to adopt Arka Tejasvi and other IIHR F1 hybrids. Many began actively seeking technical guidance from JVR HRS and participating in training programs. The collaborative effort between ICAR-IIHR (which provided technology and seeds), JVR Horticultural Research Station, Malyal of SKLTGHU (which offered field-level support and farmer engagement), and the State Departments of Horticulture and Agriculture (which assisted with dissemination and scheme convergence) created a strong ecosystem for impact.
This initiative presents a replicable model for tribal development through horticulture—introducing resilient crop varieties, supporting them with timely inputs and training, and ensuring continuous field-level guidance. The success of the “Arka Tejasvi” chilli hybrid in Telangana, particularly in transforming the livelihood of Mr. Veeranna, stands as a compelling example of how science, when tailored to local conditions and implemented through inclusive outreach, can drive sustainable rural transformation.
As Mr. Veeranna proudly reflects, “We are not just growing chillies anymore; we are growing confidence, prosperity, and future dreams.” This is not merely a success story—it is the beginning of a larger movement toward self-reliance and agricultural resilience in tribal India.
