ICAR-CIWA participated in ‘World Food Day’ celebration organized by Orissa Krishak Samaj, Bhubaneswar

On 16th October 2015, ICAR- Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar participated in the celebration of 60th anniversary of Bharat Krishak Samaj, New Delhi and observation of ‘World Food Day’ organized by Orissa Krishak Samaj, Bhubaneswar. The programme was inaugurated by Mr. Ajay Vir Jakhar, Chairman Bharat Krishak Samaj, New Delhi in the presence of Mr. Bishnupada Sethi, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Fisheries and ARD Departments, Government of Odisha; Dr. Khageswar Pradhan, Former Vice-Chancellor OUAT, Bhubaneswar; Dr. S. K. Srivastava, Director, ICAR-CIWA, Bhubaneswar; Dr. S. K. Rout, Dean Extension, OUAT, Bhubaneswar; Dr. T. Moharana, Former HOD, Horticulture Department, OUAT, Bhubaneswar and Dr. P. C. Mohanty, Chairman, Orissa Krishak Samaj, Bhubaneswar. The importance of the institute and work done by the institute for farm women was highlighted by Dr. S. K. Srivastava. It was further insisted by him that the issues of the farm women are needed to be addressed for sustainable farm productivity and ensured food security of smallholders in India in order to increase prosperity. Farm women were encouraged to adopt Integrated Farming Systems and inculcate entrepreneurship skills, as trained, innovative, responsible and visionary women farmers are anticipated to lead our agriculture especially when India is on the verge of a Ever Green Revolution. The vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. B. K. Sahoo, Coordinator, Orissa Krishak Samaj, Bhubaneswar. The exhibition stall of ICAR-CIWA was inaugurated by Dr. Khageswar Pradhan in the presence of other dignitaries. Women friendly technologies, drudgery reducing tools, gender sensitive extension models and literature developed by the Institute were displayed to over 700 farmers and farm women in the exhibition through different models and posters. The queries raised by the farmers and farm women were efficiently answered by the ICAR-CIWA team consisting of Dr. Laxmipriya Sahoo, Dr. Shivaji Argade, Mrs. Tapaswini Sahoo and Er. Pragati Kishore Rout. The other institutes like NRRI, Cuttack and OUAT, Bhubaneswar had also participated in the exhibition.

ICAR-CIWA Celebrated 'World Food Day 2015'

'World Food Day, 2015' was celebrated by ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar at a remote tribal village viz., Tarajodi at Shamakhunta block in Mayurbhanj district on 16th October, 2015. The theme of the celebration was 'Social Protection and Agriculture', which aims to underline the role social protection plays in reducing chronic food insecurity and poverty by ensuring access to food. In this context, the farm families were sensitized that their role is crucial in ensuring food security.

On this occasion, an interface was also held with tribal farm families, and advisories were given for vegetable production during Rabi season. Improved seeds of cabbage, beans, green leafy vegetables and coriander were distributed to the participants. About 60 tribal farm families participated in the programme.

Towards the end of the programme, the farmwomen participated in the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' programme, and cleaned the approach roads and habitat areas in the village. Awareness was created among them about the Swachh Bharat initiatives, and the significance of keeping the village neat and clean, and about the prompt disposal of wastes.