Hanamkonda, Telangana, September 19, 2024 – The students of the School of Agriculture at SR University recently organized a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) program as part of their Rural Agricultural Work Experience Program (RAWEP). The event took place in Gattunarsingapur village, Bheemadevarapalli Mandal, Hanamkonda District, under the expert guidance of Dr. Bhupal Raj, Dean of the School of Agriculture, and RAWEP Coordinator. The village coordinators, Mr. Suchith Kumar and Ms. M.Shravaya also played a crucial role in facilitating the program.
During the PRA program, students engaged with the local farmers community using various participatory techniques such as social mapping and Venn diagrams. These methods helped in understanding the socio-economic conditions, resource distribution, and community dynamics of Gattunarsingapur village. The students’ efforts aimed to identify key issues and opportunities for sustainable agricultural development in the region.
Dr. Bhupal Raj,Dean, SOA emphasized the importance of such experiential learning programs in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. He stated, “The PRA program provides our students with invaluable insights into rural life and agricultural practices. It equips them with the skills needed to address real-world challenges in agriculture.”
The RAWEP Coordinator highlighted the significance of community involvement in agricultural development. “Engaging with the villagers through PRA techniques allows our students to develop a deeper understanding of the local context and fosters a collaborative approach to problem-solving,” he said.
The program was well-received by the farmer's and villagers, who appreciated the students’ efforts to understand and address their concerns. The insights gained from this program will contribute to the ongoing research and extension activities of the School of Agriculture at SR University.