NAARM Holds Agri-Media Workshop in Hyderabad to Improve Farm Communication

The National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM) organised a workshop on ‘Agri-Media Synergy: Enhancing Collaborative Communication’ in Hyderabad on Wednesday, focusing on strengthening communication channels between agricultural research institutions, the media, and farmers.

Addressing the participants, NAARM Director R.M. Sundaram stated that a well-defined communication roadmap is essential to bridge the gap between researchers, farmers, and other stakeholders. He noted that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has recently placed significant focus on communicating scientific developments from the right perspective.

Sundaram urged media professionals to support ICAR institutions in effectively disseminating technologies developed by agricultural research organisations and highlighting important sector developments. He emphasised that strategic communication, transparency, and innovation are key components of effective public outreach.

Delivering the keynote address, The Hindu BusinessLine consulting editor K.V. Kurmanath called on media professionals to make greater use of online platforms and websites managed by ICAR and other government bodies to access authentic data while reporting on agriculture. He also stressed the need to leverage digital platforms for broader outreach and to provide information in vernacular languages.

Kurmanath further urged government institutions to share updates on agricultural innovations and allied sector advancements directly with journalists, stating that closer coordination between government institutions and media professionals is necessary to ensure useful information reaches farmers across the country.

Venkat Kumar, Head of the Extension Systems Management Division at NAARM, outlined the academy’s activities and its role in strengthening human resources within the National Agricultural Research, Education and Extension System. During the discussions, participants underscored the importance of countering online misinformation through the timely dissemination of accurate facts.

The workshop provided a platform for interaction on communication strategies and emerging media practices. NAARM Chief Technology Officer G. Aneeja and approximately 35 representatives from various media organisations participated in the event.