Workshop organized on Improved Package of Practices of Vegetable Crops and Farm Mechanization

A one day Training-cum-Workshop on "Improved Package of Practices of Vegetable Crops and Farm Mechanization" under ICAR-NASF project was organized by ICAR-CIWA, Bhubaneswar on 10th March, 2021 in Sankilo village of Nischintakoili block, Cuttack district, Odisha. The Training-cum-Workshop was attended by about 70 participants including scientists of ICAR-CIWA, farm women, farmers, representatives from NGO, mass media like Doordarshan, DD-Krushi Darshan and officers from line departments of Government of Odisha.

At the outset, Dr. Lipi Das Principal Scientist (Agril. Extension) and PI of the Project welcomed all participants and described about objective of the project to empower the farm women based on 'SHEET' Module i.e., Social, Health and Nutrition, Environment, Economic and Technological aspects. She also stressed upon 3E's concept for women that is equity, entrepreneurship and empowerment. She briefed up about the significant achievements made during the last two years by the adopted farm women in this project under the three tier Agri-Horti Cropping system model for addressing Livelihood, Nutrition and Entrepreneurship.

Then, Dr. Ankita Sahu, Scientist, Horticulture highlighted about improved package of practices of vegetable cultivation and discussed about the livelihood enhancement of farm women by adopting proper scientific guidelines for vegetable cultivation so that farm women could get maximum benefits. Dr. Praveen Jakhar, Senior Scientist, Agronomy stressed about improved package of practices of Black Gram cultivation and also discussed about the importance of seed treatment for better cultivation. Dr. Biswanath Sahoo, Principal Scientist, Animal Nutrition explained about livelihood security and economic empowerment of women farmers through dairy farming and discussed about the necessity of giving proper vaccination and nutrient rich cattle feed for getting maximum milk production.

The Block Veterinary Officer, Livestock Inspector, Block Technical Manager, SMS Horticulture Department, KVK Cuttack also discussed various aspects for livelihood security of farm women. The workshop was followed by demonstration and distribution of women friendly farm tools and equipment viz., Improved Sickle, Trench Hoe, Battery Operated Sprayer, Rose cane, Hand Operated Sprayer, Improved variety of Ivy gourd cuttings, Mineral mixture etc. among farm women. The programme was covered by the Doordarshan, DD-Krushi Darshan for wide publicity.