By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 29 Dec: The ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation (IISWC), Dehradun, inaugurated an Agri-Processing-Cum-Custom Hiring Centre on 26 December 2024, at Khatar Gram Panchayat, Kalsi Block, Dehradun.
The initiative, part of the SC-SP scheme, aims to enable farmers process their agricultural produce locally, reducing time, cost, and effort while improving quality.
Dr M Muruganandam, Head of PME and KM Unit, and Coordinator of the SC-SP and TSP programmes, along with project team leader and members, Dr Indu Rawat (Senior Scientist) and Dr Sadikul Islam (Scientist), handed over a threshing unit powered by a six HP diesel engine to the local farmers. This facility eliminates the need to transport produce to Vikasnagar, enhancing operational efficiency.
To ensure smooth operation and sustainability, a focus group comprising all households from nearby hamlets was established, alongside a core management group drawn from farming families, headed by Alam, a progressive farmer. These groups were formally institutionalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) facilitated by the project team.
Dr Muruganandam and the team members provide to add more tools, including grinders and small farming implements, to the centre. Additionally, essential household and community items – such as storage bins, spatulas, thermal flasks, and frying pans – were provided to two women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) previously formed by the Institute under the scheme. Each household also received an electric kettle and manual pruning cutter for individual benefits.
Inputs for soap-making were distributed by Dr Indu Rawat to promote livelihood opportunities for women, while Dr Sadikul Islam highlighted the visible healthcare improvements achieved through these interventions. The team distributed certificates to participants of entrepreneurship development training programme on food processing organised at Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Dehradun, and coordinated earlier by Dr Rawat.
During the event, the team reviewed the progress of various initiatives implemented in six hamlets over the past two years, including the provision of critical inputs such as irrigation pipes, water tanks, improved seeds, planting materials and quality chicks. Training and capacity-building programmes on improved farming practices, poultry farming, and healthcare were also assessed in consultation with beneficiaries.
About 50 farmers and women’s groups in the Kolhar, Somaya, Kofti, Sundaraiya and other nearby villages under Khatar Gram Panchayat, Kalsi Block, expressed their gratitude to the scientists and the Institute for their continued support and guidance.
