10-Mar-2026
RAWE Outreach: Rythu Sadassu and Agricultural Exhibition
A Rythu Sadassu (Farmers’ Meet) and Agricultural Exhibition was successfully organized on 10 March 2026 at Vallabhapuram village, Kollipara, Mandal, Guntur District under the joint auspices of the Vignan Institute of Agriculture and Technology (VIAT), Vignan University, Vadlamudi, and the Department of Agriculture, Guntur, as part of the Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) Programme. The programme was conducted by fourth-year B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture students placed in Kollipara (9), Vallabhapuram (9), Kolakaluru (12), Peddavadlapudi (6), Vejendla (7), Pedavegi (5), Munnangi (9), and Nutakki (11) villages. The event served as an excellent platform for students to gain first-hand exposure to rural agricultural conditions. During the programme, students interacted directly with farmers, understood their farming problems, and suggested scientific solutions and improved agricultural practices. The programme included student presentations, demonstrations of technological models, and exhibitions of agricultural products. Students created awareness among farmers on major pests and diseases in crops through charts and presentations. Important topics covered included identification and management of Fall Armyworm in maize, control of aphids in sorghum, symptoms and management of Panama wilt in banana, control of rhizome rot in turmeric, and modern management practices for stem borer in maize. To highlight the importance of modern technologies in agriculture, students demonstrated several innovative models such as IoT applications in agriculture, smart farming techniques, Agri Voltex technology, agri-tourism for rural development, microgreens production and their nutritional benefits, IoT-based micro-irrigation systems, and value-added products from tomato and moringa. Students also displayed various agricultural products, including different turmeric varieties, arecanut, and black pepper, creating awareness among farmers about market opportunities and value addition. The programme was graced by Prof. K. V. Krishna Kishore, Vice-Chancellor of Vignan University, as the Chief Guest, who emphasized the importance of climate-based agricultural advisories and modern technologies for improving farm productivity and income. Smt. M. Padmavathi, District Agricultural Officer, attended as Guest of Honour and explained various government schemes for farmers. Dr. D. Vijay Krishna, Dean – Training & Placements, participated as Distinguished Guest, while Sri R. Vijay Babu, Assistant Director of Agriculture, and Sri N. Srinivasa Reddy, Mandal Agricultural Officer, attended as Honoured Guests. The programme was presided over by Dr. T. Ramesh Babu, Dean, VIAT, and coordinated by Dr. Harisha N, RAWE Coordinator, with the support of Dr. M. Chandra Surya Rao, HoD, VIAT, and director representatives Dr. Naresh, Dr. Bindu, Dr. Anusha, Dr. Srinivas, Mrs. Shama, Dr. Nagaraju, Mrs. Kavya, Dr. Yamuna, and Dr. Geetanjali. The event witnessed the participation of around 230 participants, including progressive farmers, local farmers of Vallabhapuram village, director representatives, students, and host farmers. The programme concluded with the felicitation of farmers, strengthening collaboration between students and the farming community and promoting the effective transfer of agricultural knowledge.
08-Jan-2026
Sankranthi Sambharalu 2026: Celebrating Tradition and Sustainable Farming
Andhra Pradesh continues to stand tall as one of India’s leading agrarian states, contributing significantly to national food security and agricultural exports. Yet, beneath this strength lie growing challenges—rising cultivation costs, labour scarcity, climate variability, degradation of soil and water resources, and increasing market volatility. Addressing these complex, crop-specific issues demands a participatory, scientific, and farmer-centric approach that blends field realities with research-driven solutions. In this context, Sankranthi Sambharalu 2026, the annual flagship programme of Vignan University, Vadlamudi, Guntur emerged as a dynamic platform for dialogue and action. Jointly organized by Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology and Research (VFSTR) and the Rythu Nestham Foundation on 08 January 2026, the programme brought together farmers, national and state-level scientists, university experts, government officials, and marketing agencies for focused, crop-wise deliberations. A key highlight of the event was the proposal to establish a State-wide Network of Crop-wise Model Farms, envisioned as living laboratories to promote cost reduction, climate resilience, sustainability, and rapid technology adoption. The forenoon session featured the Crop-Specific Deliberations Summit for Policy Recommendations, comprising 12 breakout sessions covering major crops along with agroforestry, livestock, poultry, and aquaculture. Each session was chaired by Directors and Principal Scientists from ICAR and State Agricultural Universities, supported by active participation from progressive farmers, faculty, and students of the School of Agriculture and Food Technology, Vignan University. These intensive discussions generated practical, crop-wise recommendations that were later consolidated and presented during the valedictory session, chaired by the Director and Vice-Chancellor, ICAR–IARI, in the presence of distinguished guests including the Commissioner of Horticulture, Government of Andhra Pradesh, and the Advisor for Agroforestry, Government of Andhra Pradesh. As the day progressed, the afternoon session transformed the campus into a vibrant celebration of agrarian culture. Mesmerizing Kolatam dances and soulful Haridasu Keerthanalu infused the Vignan University campus with festive rhythm, seamlessly blending tradition with agricultural reverence. The felicitation ceremony was chaired by Dr. C. H. Srinivasa Rao, Vice-Chancellor, ICAR–IARI, alongside Sri Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha); Dr. Dhananjay Rao, YSR Horticultural University; Sri Yadlapalli Venkateswara Rao, Chairman, Rythu Sangam Foundation; and Dr. T. Ramesh Babu, Organizing Chair and Dean, VIAT and SAFT. Addressing the gathering, Dr. C. H. Srinivasa Rao, Director and Vice-Chancellor, ICAR–New Delhi, lauded VFSTR and the Vignan Institute of Agriculture and Technology for organizing meaningful crop-wise brainstorming sessions across twelve major crops. He observed that such structured interactions effectively bridge the research–extension divide, promote need-based innovations, and support the formulation of evidence-based agricultural policies. He also commended VFSTR’s distinctive institutional culture of recognizing progressive and innovative farmers from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Echoing these sentiments, Sri Lavu Krishna Devarayalu, Hon’ble MP (Lok Sabha), emphasized that the deliberations successfully brought out field-level policy issues and strengthened the linkage between research and practice. He highlighted the immense learning opportunities created for B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture students through direct interaction with farmers and scientists, and encouraged faculty members to intensify research on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, smart farming, and IoT for sustainable agricultural development. The event culminated in a grand felicitation ceremony, where distinguished guests presented the Abhyudaya Rythu Puraskaralu to 250 progressive farmers and eminent scientists, honoring their remarkable contributions to diversified and sustainable agricultural production systems. Beyond recognition, the ceremony inspired students and young professionals by reinforcing the importance of real-world agricultural innovation, farmer wisdom, and science-led solutions. Sankranthi Sambharalu 2026 thus stood out not merely as a celebration, but as a powerful convergence of tradition, technology, and transformative agricultural thought, reaffirming VFSTR’s commitment to farmer-centric, future-ready agricultural development.
07-Jan-2026
Why One Life? An Impactful Session for Agriculture Graduates
A special lecture on the concept of “One Life†was delivered by Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director and Vice Chancellor, ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. The program was organized by The Vignan institute of Agriculture and technology, VFSTR . The speaker explained that One Life refers to the interconnected health and well-being of soil, water, environment, crops, animals, and humans, forming a single continuous system. This approach emphasizes that all life forms are interdependent and that human survival depends on maintaining balance within this shared ecosystem. The concept of One Life highlights that no living organism exists in isolation. Humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms are part of a complex web of life where each component supports the others. Healthy soil leads to healthy crops, healthy crops support animals and humans, and a clean environment ensures overall well-being. This approach is important because disturbances in one part of the system such as pollution, deforestation, or poor agricultural practices can negatively affect the entire ecosystem. Therefore, adopting sustainable practices is essential for ensuring food security, environmental protection, and long-term human health. Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao spoke extensively about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their role in achieving balanced growth while protecting the environment. He emphasized the importance of increasing and conserving green cover, as forests play a vital role in regulating climate, conserving biodiversity, and maintaining soil and water resources. The speaker also addressed several agriculture-related issues, such as soil degradation, water scarcity, climate change impacts on farming, and the need for sustainable agricultural practices. He stressed the importance of integrated farming systems, soil health management, water conservation, and eco-friendly technologies to ensure both productivity and environmental sustainability. All the years of agriculture department students attended with all the faculty together at Sarigama seminar hall , N block 1st floor . It came to a great success where Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao has made a significant impact by promoting the One Life (One Health) approach, linking soil, water, environment, agriculture, animal, and human health into a unified system. His work has improved sustainable agricultural practices, strengthened soil and water management, encouraged climate-resilient farming, and increased awareness about green cover and biodiversity conservation. Through his leadership and research, he has influenced policy, education, and farming communities, contributing to food security, environmental protection, and overall human well-being.
04-Jan-2025
Progressive Farmers' Awards 2025 at Vignan’s University
Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu said that more and more youth will be interested in farming in the future only if those who are currently doing agriculture are encouraged in every possible way. As part of sankranthi celebrations, vadlamudi vignan’s university and rythu nestham foundation in Chebrolu mandal of Guntur district jointly organized a felicitation programme for 250 progressive farmer couple from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on Saturday. Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchennaidu, who was the chief guest at the event, said that the governments should encourage the farmers to make more profits with less investment. With the advent of drone technology, agriculture has developed well and medicines can be sprayed with the help of drone technology wherever there are pests in the crop, he said. "Drones were once used for weddings, but now they are widely used in agriculture. He lamented that the damage was being done before the farmer could identify the crop and take up plant protection measures. But with the help of drone technology, crop pests can be detected early. Medicines can only be sprayed where the disease has spread, he explained. So farmers have been asked to adopt drone technology. All the farmers have been asked to plant the crops only after undergoing soil tests so that they can grow crops.
New technology should come in agriculture: Dr. Lavu Rattaiah, Chairman, Vignan’s Educational Institutions.
Dr. Lavu Rathaiah, Chairman, Vignan Educational Institutions, said that there is a need for new technology to come in the agriculture sector. Will farmers who do organic farming get good yields? Will you get a good price even if there is a yield? He asked. It is not possible to cultivate heavy chemical fertilizers. However, organic farming should not be used by everyone in the country at the same time, but should gradually increase the area, he said. Sri Lanka has been hit hard by the sudden shift to organic farming. We need to learn from such things. He urged the government to pay more attention to organic farming. He said the farmers are facing a lot of challenges at present and to overcome these, mechanisation in agriculture has to be increased. 50 people are working to solve the problem of shortage of labourers. Mechanisation should be done so that one or two can do it. "Gradually, the number of farmers working is decreasing and in the process, the prices of labourers will go up," he said.
He said it would be possible to do agricultural work only if mechanisation increases. Although some of the works have already been mechanised. He stressed that there is still a need to do so. Seeds, fertilizers and pesticides. While the cost till the crop is harvested is Rs 10, it costs Rs 9 only for harvesting the crop, he said. There should be use of AI and IoT in agriculture. For example, a farmer should be able to access all the details of a chilli orchard and information related to pests on his mobile. He said that the farmer should know with the help of technology only when the first plant in the field is infected with the pest so that the farmer can take up comprehensive plant protection. Despite having 20 acres of land, the farmer is not giving a girl to marry a working boy. He wished that with the help of technology, the farmer should also be able to do his work comfortably like a petty employee. It can be assumed that only then has the modernization taken place. Like other businessmen, farmers should also be treated as self-employed and given loans. He appealed to the governments to take steps to ensure that farmers get investment loans.
Crop should be doubled: Lavu Srikrishna Devaraya, Vice Chairman, Vignan’s Educational Institutions
With the new policies of the farmers and the innovations of the scientists, the crop yield has been doubled. University vice-chairman Lavu Srikrishna Devarayalu urged progressive farmers to halve water and chemicals. He was speaking at the farmers' felicitation ceremony. "Farmers from two Telugu states have come here. It is a good initiative to felicitate the ideal farmers and also to talk about their ideas. Progressive farmers who are doing farming in new ways. They can explain their ideas to students. " Vignan University is different from other universities and students are being encouraged to focus on agriculture. More applications should come up with a focus on agriculture.
Innovations should come in agriculture: Yadlapalli Venkateswara Rao, chairman of Rythu Nestham Foundation
Yadlapalli Venkateswara Rao, chairman of Rythu Nestham Foundation, said innovations should come up in agriculture. We are ready to identify issues related to agriculture and discuss with the government or the concerned authorities and help the farmers. Farmers will be trained on behalf of the foundation on new agricultural practices and technologies. Assisting farmers in getting agricultural loans. Awareness will be created about crop insurance schemes. Later, the chief guests and the farmer couple were felicitated. Chairman of Vignan’s Educational Institutions Dr. Lavu Rattaiah, Vice-Chairman Lavu Srikrishna Devarayalu, Rythu Nestham Foundation Chairman Yadlapalli Venkateswara Rao, In-charge Registrar Dr. P.M.V. Rao, Deans, Heads and Faculty of the respective departments, farmer couple and students of both the states participated in the event.
17-Dec-2024
VIGNAN - AGRICULTURE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
T. Vijay Kumar, executive vice-chairman of the Farmers' Empowerment Organisation and advisor to the AP government's Department of Agriculture and Cooperation and former IAS officer, said that the farmers' empowerment organisation is primarily aimed at working for the welfare, development of agriculture, and improving livelihood of farmers in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Vignan Institute of Agriculture and Technology (VIAT), Apari (Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutes) and European Plant Health Research and Coordination, School of Agriculture and Food Technology, Vadlamudi Vignan’s University, Chebrolu mandal, will jointly organize a two-day international conference on "Plant Health in Asia: Research Priorities and Partnerships" on Tuesday. It started off in a grand manner. T Vijay Kumar, executive vice-chairman of the Farmers' Empowerment Society and advisor to the AP government's Department of Agriculture and Cooperation and former IAS officer, who was the chief guest at the event, said that financial and technical assistance, free advice and guidelines would be provided to the farmers. Along with this, organic farming will also be encouraged.
He also said that organic methods will be promoted as an alternative to chemical farming and awareness will also be created on organic fertilizers, seeds and methods. Subsidies for agricultural inputs to farmers, implementation of crop insurance schemes, diversification of crops, encouraging farmers to cultivate different types of crops and marketing facilities will be provided. We will implement policies to conserve soil, water and natural resources, reduce harmful practices and promote eco-friendly practices. Our aim is to provide training to farmers on new farming practices, create awareness on infrastructure and modern practices and promote farmers' self-respect. Achieving rural development by improving the livelihood of farmers is part of our goals. Schemes like Rythu Bandhu and Rythu Bharosa will be implemented effectively. He said the Farmers' Empowerment Organisation will play a key role in reviving the agriculture sector in Andhra Pradesh and improving the living standards of farmers. Dr Ravi Khetarpal, Executive Director, Apari, Bangkok, who was also the chief guest at the event, said there was a need to adopt modern practices in the agro-food system, from food production to consumption.
The use of field sensors, drones and digital methods is more visible in protecting the health of trees. These technologies will help in detecting diseases instantly in agricultural areas and preventing them, he said. Based on smartphones and data analytics, it is possible to predict insect attacks in advance and take timely action. He said that by adopting plans to reduce chemical use and promote nature-based solutions, it will not only benefit plant health but also soil health. Digital agriculture, with the help of technologies like AI and IoT, will not only improve agricultural yields but will also help in the production of plant-friendly food items. Organic and innovative methods can promote plant health as well as natural health. Dr Baldissera Jivani, Coordinator, European Phytossani Research Coordination, who was also the chief guest at the event, said that the European Phytosanitary Research will coordinate research projects through European Phytosanitary Research and help researchers from different countries to work together in tree health related research projects. The institute is doing research and providing scientific evidence in supporting plant health practices and improving European policies on plant health. Our organization works to identify, monitor and manage plant and livestock diseases and pests that pose a threat to agriculture and forests. It will help in enhancing cooperation between European and international researchers and institutions. This will help in solving the problems of plant health across the world. It will play a key role in effectively preventing and managing plant diseases and pests to improve agricultural production and environmental sustainability.
As part of the international conference, topics such as Agri Entrepreneurship and Public Private Farmers' Partnership for Plant Health, Artificial Intelligence and IoT for Plant Health Management, Plant Health Advocacy in Asia, Changing Pest Sinario, Epidemiology, Forecasting and Monitoring in Relation to Climate Change were discussed. Dr. Baldissera Jeevani, Coordinator, European Phytosanitary Research Coordination, Dr. K.S. Varaprasad, Project Manager, ICAR-IIOR, Hyderabad, Dr. Paul W.J. Taylor, Technical Coordinator, Asari, Dr. Paul W.J. Taylor, Regional Director, South Asia Cabbi International, Dr. Vinod Pandit, Chairman of Vignan’s Educational Institutions, Dr. Lavu Rattaiah, Chairman, Vignan’s Educational Institutions, Dr. Lavu Rattaiah, Vice-Chancellor of the University, Dr. P. Nagabhushan, Vice-Chancellor of the University. Heads and research students participated.
26-Nov-2024
KWS, a German firm, collaborates with VFSTR
Sri Parthasaradhi Bhattacharya, Sri Sairam Reddy, Sri LE Larsen, and Sri Jay Bhattacharya of KWS, a German firm, visited Lara Green Farm, VFSTR, on November 26th to assess the suitability of the soil for sugar beet cultivation.
21-Nov-2024
The Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor visit to LARA Green
Dr. P. Nagabhushan, Vice-Chancellor of VFSTR, and Dr. T. Ramesh Babu, Dean of VIAT, visited Lara Green Farm on November 21, 2024, to review the progress of Ph.D. research plots and the Experiential Learning Modules undertaken by final-year B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture students. These modules included marigold cultivation, sweetcorn and baby corn production, leafy vegetable farming, and chrysanthemum cultivation. During their interaction with research scholars, they shared valuable insights to further enhance research quality and experiential learning outcomes.
11-Oct-2024
Zimbabwe representatives visit Vignan’s University
Zimbabwe's Ambassador to India Stella Nokomo said the relationship between India and Zimbabwe will be further strengthened in the field of academics, research and agriculture, including technology. She discussed academic as well as diplomatic issues at the event held at Vadlamudi Vigyan University in Chebrolu mandal on Friday. She held a special meeting with Zimbabwe's Ambassador Stella Nokomo, Chairman of Vignan’s Educational Institutions Dr. Lavu Rathaiah, Vice-Chairman Lavu Srikrishna Devarayalu, Vice-Chancellor Prof. P. Nagabhushan and deans and heads of various departments. Zimbabwe's Ambassador Stella Nokomo said that apart from education and research, cultural exchange, agricultural technology and exploring opportunities for mutual cooperation were discussed. Joint ly organizing programmes will strengthen the partnership between the two countries and enhance their academic skills, he said. This will bring immense benefits to the students and faculty. Later, he visited the robotics and 3D printing lab, agriculture farm and other departments of the university. He held a special meeting with 152 Zimbabwean students at the university and expressed happiness over the facilities being provided to them. He expressed his willingness to admit more students in Vignan University next year. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. P. Nagabhushan, Vice-Chancellor, Vignan’s University, said, "We are ready to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop students, faculty exchange, academic, research, consultancy and entrepreneurship programmes. Apart from this, he also requested them to work for joint masters, PhD programmes and centre of excellence. "In the coming years, we are ready to further strengthen the relations between the two countries and develop new technology, industry and academia programmes. Later, the chief guest was felicitated by the representatives of Vigyan University. Dr. Lavu Rattaiah, Chairman, Vignan’s Educational Institutions, Lavu Srikrishna Devaraya, Vice-Chairman, Prof. P. Nagabhushanam, Vice-Chancellor, Deans, Heads and Students of the respective departments were present on the occasion.
30-Sep-2024
Inaugurated at Vignan’s University
The "Tree Based Enterprise Incubation Centre (TBEIC)", jointly established by the Vignan Institute of Agriculture and Technology (VIAT), Department of School of Agriculture and Food Technology, Vadlamudi Vignan’s University in Chebrolu mandal, jointly organised by USAID, SIFAR and World Agroforestry, was inaugurated on Monday. TegenFel Detmark, Director, USAID General Development Office in India, was the chief guest at the inauguration of the incubation centre and inaugurated the centre with a ribbon cut. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. P. Nagabhushan, Vice-Chancellor, Vignan University, said that the credit for starting a tree-based enterprise incubation centre in the two Telugu states goes to Vignan’s university. He also informed that the centre set up at Vignan is the second highest incubation centre in the country.
The main objective of the centre is to enhance the economic growth of the country as well as to influence the interests of the population, develop skills among the rural youth as well as businessmen and make it easier to meet the targets. With the help of this centre, we will be able to add as much value as possible to the wood procured from the farmers, add value to non-wood trees outside forest products and provide suitable facilities for interested amateur incubations. The programme aims to expand forests in seven states of the country (Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh) for livelihood and ecosystem purposes. Students interested in becoming entrepreneurs can develop skills and knowledge to run sustainable businesses while improving the local environment with the help of incubation centre.
The Tree-Based Enterprise Incubation Centre has been launched with the objective of promoting sustainable agroforestry practices in Andhra Pradesh. By promoting these centres, the centre will not only support the livelihood of the local communities but will also help in spreading trees outside the traditional forest areas. Such efforts are crucial in improving ecosystem services and building climate resilience in the state. Dr. Lavu Rathaiah, Chairman, Vignan’s Educational Institutions, who was also the chief guest at the event, said that if saplings are grown extensively even in the outside forest areas, it will improve the livelihood of the people and ecosystem services. He said that excessive felling of forests could lead to an increase in temperatures and increase global warming. We will not be able to bear the consequences of the result. Hence every student has also been called upon to plant greenery saplings in empty spaces. Students have also been advised to work towards ecological balance by growing saplings extensively even in the outer forest areas.
The event was attended by Tegenfel Detmark, Director, GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, USAID, India, Soumitri Das, Head, USAID Environment Team In India, Dr. Ravi Prabhu, Senior Advisor, ICRAF-Recommender, TOFI Programme Chief of Party Manoj Dabas, Chairman, Vignan’s Educational Institutions, Dr. Lavu Rattaiah, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. M.S. Deans, heads of departments, faculty and agricultural students participated in the meeting.
07-Sep-2024
International conference at Vignan
University Vice-Chancellor Colonel, Prof. P. Nagabhushan said on Friday that an international conference will be organized for two days from December 17 at Vadlamudi Science University, Chebrolu Mandal. A brochure related to the international conference was unveiled in the program organized on the occasion. On this occasion, the Vice-Chancellor said that under the joint auspices of the Vignan Institute of Agriculture and Technology (VIAT) of the School of Agriculture and Food Technology, Apari (Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutes) and European Plant Health Research and Coordination, "Plant Health in Asia: Research Priorities and Pa Partnerships It has been revealed that the conference is being organized on the topic. Apari Executive Director Dr. Ravi Khetarpal, ICRSAT Director General Dr. Jacqueline D. Rose Hughes, ICRAF World Agroforestry Director General Dr. Ravi Prabhu, Angru Vice Chancellor Dr. R. Sarada Jayalakshmi Devi, Dr. YSRHU were the chief guests Vice Chancellor Dr. K. Gopal, PPAI President Dr. B .Informed that Sarathbabu is coming.
Agri-Entrepreneurships and Public Private Farmer Partnership for Plant Health, Artificial Intelligence and IoT for Plant Health Management, Plant Health Advocacy in Asia, Changing Pest Scenario, Epidemiology, Forecasting and Monitoring in Relation to Climate It is mentioned that this international conference is being organized with the theme of Change. University Vice Chancellor Col. Prof. P. Nagabhushan, Registrar Dr. MS Raghunathan, Deans, Heads of respective departments and research students participated in the program.
01-Jan-2023
Hi-tech nursery inauguration
Hi-tech nursery inauguration.Please provide more data to explore this news item.
