The Indian Institute of Spices research (IISR) in association with the Kozhikode district panchayat organised an agriculture awareness programmes for selected farmers from the Scheduled Caste communities here on Wednesday (March 5, 2025). District panchayat president Sheeja Sasi opened the event, which also witnessed the distribution of various planting materials to 200 beneficiaries.

Programme coordinators said the initiative was part of creating better awareness among farmers about modern agricultural practices and ways to improve production using high-yielding varieties. A panel of five experts from the IISR led the awareness sessions, they added.

District panchayat vice president P. Gavas presided over the inaugural function. Officials from the Department for Welfare of Scheduled Castes and heads of various standing committees under the district panchayat were present.