Hyderabad: Farming today is as innovative as it is rooted in tradition — a theme clearly seen at Telangana Rythu Mahotsavam 2025. Being held till April 14 at the Nampally Exhibition Ground, the event showcased farmer-driven innovations through over 180 stalls, open daily from 10 am to 9 pm. Organised by the Agri-Horticultural Society with support from the state government and the Exhibition Society, the event attracted farmers, students and families from across the state.
“We saw smart motor systems, drones and companies managing farming operations,” said one visitor. Another visitor, Sandhya, added, “We brought our children here to learn how real things are made, not just read about them in textbooks.”
Agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, who visited on Saturday, urged farmers to shift from chemical pesticides and urea to organic methods to boost exports. He encouraged the Agri-Horticultural Society to hold similar exhibitions in districts like Nizamabad and Suryapet to raise more awareness among formers. The minister visited a few stalls and interacted with stall owners about their products and services.
A key attraction was the AG 365H drone by Marut Drone Academy, which sprays water and pesticides across six acres per hour. Approved by the DGCA and priced at `6.9 lakh, the drone saves 95 per cent water and 35 per cent fertilisers. “We also train and license farmers,” said Jhansi, Marut’s customer support manager.
Another crowd favourite was organic mango ice cream made from the “Amrutham” variety developed by farmer Kongaru Ramesh after 35 years of research. The mango retains its colour even after a year in the fridge, making it most suitable for ice cream. “Children are loving the taste. But, parents are more excited than the children,” said K. Haritha, the stall manager. She said they sold half a quintal since Friday, priced between Rs 100 and Rs 160.
Another sweet treat came from the Palamuru Rythu Development Society, where visitors enjoyed creamy sweet sitafal (custard apple) kulfis made from Balanagar sitafal pulp. With help from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the society is not only helping farmers earn more but is also aiming for a GI tag for their produce. “We’re even supplying pulp to big brands like Quality Walls,” said a team member at the stall. Next on their menu was the Sitafal Rabdi!
Tech lovers had plenty to look at too. Hyderabad-based startup Nyasta Gramojwala Solutions introduced a smart motor management system. Using a phone app or even just an SMS, farmers can now turn their water motors on and off remotely, reducing the risk of electric shocks. “We’ve priced it at Rs 6,000, and we’re also working on a more affordable Rs 4,500 version that won’t need a SIM card,” said CEO Bala Bhargavi Narisetty.
Different varieties of seeds were on display at Gokul Farma and Nursery Seed Bank from Maharashtra. They introduced a seed bank packet with 50 varieties of fruit and vegetable seeds to promote organic kitchen gardening. Meanwhile, Advanta Company presented their hybrid corn seed, Advanta PAC 741, which is being used to make ethanol, an eco-friendly addition to petrol that also reduces pollution.
Other interesting products included unique plants like blueberry, vanilla and dragon fruit plants from AG Bioteck Labs, which are suitable for terrace gardening. “People are excited to grow these at home, though they need to be careful with extreme temperatures,” said G. Anji from the stall. There were also stalls selling pooja items, personal care products made from cow dung, and handcrafted items made from coconut pulp and woven baskets, which added a touch of rural charm to the exhibition.
Dr A. Veerabhadra Rao, secretary of the Agri-Horticultural Society, revealed that they plan to conduct similar exhibitions every August, expanding to horticulture and even floriculture in the future.
