ICAR-CIWA organised Farmer-scientist interface at Satyabadi, Puri

A Farmer -Scientist Interface was organized on 15th July 2019 at Satyabadi block, Puri district under ICAR-CIWA-IRRI-Collaborative project "Increasing Productivity of Rice-based Cropping Systems and Farmers Income in Odisha" in association with the project partner SWAD ( Society for Women Action Development). Dr. A.K.Panda, PI of the project welcomed all the farm women & informed about the role of ICAR-CIWA in addressing gender issues in agriculture. He informed that India is shifting now its focus from land productivity to water productivity. Adopting improved method of rain water harvesting and its use for irrigation and water technology will have a critical role in increasing productivity. He also emphasized on use of stress tolerant paddy varieties as the project area is mostly disaster prone with recurrence of flood and water logging conditions which mostly affect the rice crop. Dr.Sabita Mishra, Principal Scientist and Co-PI, discussed about the concept of integrated/ mixed farming system for increasing income of farm women. Dr. Jyoti Nayak, Principal Scientist and Co-PI highlighted the application of drudgery reducing tools in paddy cultivation and occupational health safety measures for farm women. As the area was affected by cyclonic "Fani", inputs such as fertilizers and seeds were distributed to farm women. An awareness creation on improved method of paddy cultivation and varietal replacement for increase productivity was also organised under SCSP scheme, which was co-ordinated by Dr.J.C.Jeeva, nodal officer, SCSP programme. On this occasion, 20 quintals of foundation seeds of CR1009-Sub-1 variety were distributed to 100 SC beneficiaries for varietal replacement in about 150 acres. The interface ended with votes of thanks by Dr.A.Sarkar, Senior Scientist and Co-PI of the project.