A workshop on “Media in the Context of Changing Agriculture” was held at ICAR-CPCRI, Regional Station, Kayamkulam, on 27^th January, 2025. In his inaugural address, Dr. T. Pradeep Kumar, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Panangad, Kochi, urged the media for effective technology dissemination for an inclusive adoption in the dynamic farming sector. He opined that the media should strategically intervene in the illegal import of planting material of horticulture crops; thereby, the introduction of non-native invasive species can be arrested. In his presidential address, Dr. K. Muralidharan, former Acting Director, ICAR-CPCRI, opined that market-led approaches are key for maximising farm income and the role of media is beneficial. Dr. Regi Jacob Thomas, Head, welcomed the gathering, and Dr. P. Anithakumari, Principal Scientist, proposed the vote of thanks. Three extension folders as part of the Farmer-FIRST project were released on the occasion.

Two technical sessions viz., ‘Print media in the digital epoch’, ‘Status, challenges & way-forward’ as well as ‘Audio-visual and digital media towards innovative agricultural technology dissemination’, were chaired by Extension icons Dr C. Bhaskaran, former Associate Director of Research, Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) and Dr V.B. Padmanabhan, former Head, Department of Agricultural Extension, KAU in which five lead speakers from the media (Mr. T.K. Sunilkumar, Editor-In-Chief, Karshakasree, Mrs. Anjana Nair, Group Editor, Agriculture Today, Mr. Muraleedharan Thazakara, Rtd. Programme Executive, Akashvani, Mr. Sajan G., Rtd. Asst. Director of Programmes, Doordarsan, Dr. Sreevalsan J. Menon, Professor, KAU) shared their insights.

Dr C. Thamban, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CPCRI moderated the panel discussion session attended by Mr. Sree Padre (Editor, Adike Patrike), Mrs. T. Balasudhahari (Director, CDB), Mr. Suresh Muthukulam (Exe. Editor, Krishi Jagaran), Mr. G. S. Unnikrishnan Nair (Rtd. Director, SAMETI), Mrs. Anjusha, G. (Programme Executive, Doordarsan), Mr. James Thuruthumalil (Asst. Editor, Karshakasrsee), Mr. Y.S. Jayakumar (Sr. Reporter, Deepika) and Mr. Pramod Madhavan (ADA, Dept. of Agriculture).

The valedictory session was chaired by Dr. C. Bhaskaran. Dr. Regi Jacob Thomas, Head, highlighted the science journey of Hortus Malabaricus and the historical connections for the new generation of scholars. A “Kayamkulam Resolution” was announced as the recommendations of the workshop, as follows:

Commencement of a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on “Advances in coconut farming for sustained productivity” under ICAR-IARI Education Hub by ICAR-CPCRI with a finishing curriculum for affordable and flexible learning,

Initiation of an “Interactive Coconut FM Channel” for technology dissemination and reach-out to the coconut community, and

Responsive digital extension outreach of innovative technologies from research institutes to farmers’ doorsteps.

More than 100 media personnel and scholars participated in the workshop.