Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 30 May: As part of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (29 May – 12 June), initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, and facilitated by ICAR, New Delhi, multidisciplinary teams of scientists from the ICAR–Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation (ICAR-IISWC), Dehradun, visited 21 villages today. They interacted with around 950 farmers to raise awareness about crucial precautions for Kharif crops and the support systems available through State Line Departments and ICAR-IISWC, particularly concerning quality seeds and technical guidance.
The scientific teams emphasised agri-advisories and highlighted various schemes launched by the Government of India and State agencies, aimed at empowering diverse farming communities – including smallholders, farm women, youth, and agri-entrepreneurs. The discussions particularly focused on:
- Encouraging youth retention in agriculture,
- Reducing the drudgery faced by farm women,
- Leveraging institutional support systems,
- Adopting resilient farming practices in response to monsoon variability in hilly regions,
- Utilising technologies for minimising flood damage, soil erosion, land degradation, and safeguarding crop and livestock productivity.
Today’s outreach was led by Dr Sridhar Patra (Principal Scientist), Er SS Shrimali (Senior Scientist), Dr M Sankar (Senior Scientist), Dr Indhu Rawat (Senior Scientist), Dr Uday Mandal, (Sr Sci.), Dr Raman Jeet Singh (Senior Scientist), Dr Anupam Bhar (Scientist), and their respective teams including Dr Sadikul Islam, Dr Abhimanyu Jhajharia, MS Chauhan (CTO), Rakesh Kumar (CTO), Er UC Tiwari (STO), Er Prakash Singh (STO), and Sonu, TA.
The teams covered 14 Gram Panchayats during the day, including Icchla, Bamrar, Smalta, Lalwala Khalsa, and Naukra Grant. Farmers – including a significant number of women and youth – actively participated in the interactions, contributing meaningfully to the success of the programme.
The overall 15-day campaign is being coordinated by Dr Bankey Bihari (Principal Scientist) with the support of Dr M Muruganandam (Principal Scientist), Anil Chauhan (CTO), Er Amit Chauhan (ACTO), and Praveen Tomar (STO), under the guidance of Dr M Madhu, Director, ICAR-IISWC.
