The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)–National Institute of Biotic Stress Management (NIBSM), Raipur, organised a high-impact Farmer–Scientist Interaction-cum-Distribution Programme of Post-Harvest Value Addition Machinery and Farm Implements under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) today. The initiative aimed to drive technological empowerment, reduce drudgery, and boost additional income-generation opportunities for the tribal farming communities of Chhattisgarh.

To promote local value addition and foster rural entrepreneurship, the Institute distributed various farm implements, including battery-operated sprayers, winnowing fans, pulverisers, mini rice mills, power tillers, and land levellers. Notably, mini rice mills and pulverisers were specifically distributed to local Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to encourage post-harvest processing, improve input-use efficiency, and create sustainable livelihoods at the grassroots level.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. P.K. Rai, Director, ICAR–NIBSM, underscored the Institute’s unwavering commitment to the holistic upliftment of tribal farmers. Emphasising the challenges of a delayed monsoon, Dr. Rai advised farmers to transition towards climate-resilient farming practices, balanced nutrient management, and timely crop protection. He suggested that in areas where rainfall remains inadequate for traditional paddy cultivation, farmers should consider sowing alternative crops, such as pulses, in accordance with localized expert advisories.

Interacting with the beneficiaries, Dr. Pankaj Sharma, Coordinator and Joint Director, provided critical scientific guidance on minimizing production costs. He highlighted that judicious nutrient application, need-based irrigation, and the adoption of scientific crop recommendations are vital to preserving soil health while enhancing overall crop productivity.

In a step towards strengthening digital extension services, the participating farmers actively engaged in the ICAR feedback poll on the Kisan Sarathi app. Their inputs will help the government refine and strengthen farmer-centric digital agricultural advisory services to make them more interactive and responsive.

The event witnessed an enthusiastic turnout of 243 farmers and farm women representing Pacheri, Madhi, Guma, Bharwadih, and Mohdi villages. Dignitaries present at the event included Shri Abhishek Verma, Sarpanch of Pacheri, Smt. Kalyani Pathak, Sarpanch of Madhi, and members of seven local SHGs. The successful conduct of the programme was coordinated by Dr. Priyanka Meena and her team, with active support from Dr. P. Moovanthan, Senior Scientist, Shri Malay Bisht, Senior Administrative Officer, along with other scientists and administrative staff of the Institute.
 

**********

RDJ/PJ

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2285004) आगंतुक पटल : 15