Garhwal Post Bureau
Pantnagar, 2 Mar: A free agricultural input distribution and training programme was successfully organized under the All India Coordinated Wheat and Barley Research Project at Pantnagar University, supported by the ICAR-Indian Wheat and Barley Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, with the aim of empowering Scheduled Caste farmers in the field of agriculture. The programme was organised during February 20-28, in Suriya village and Majhera in Nainital district and Dhakiya Kalan village, Kashipur, Jaspur and Kotabagh in Udham Singh Nagar district. Over 300 beneficiary farmers attended the programme.
Project Officer, Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan, Dr JP Jaiswal stated that the primary objective of this distribution programme is to connect Scheduled Caste farmers with modern agricultural techniques, reduce production costs and increase crop productivity. Under the programme, farmers were provided free herbicides, nano urea (liquid fertiliser), sickles, hoes, and booklets on advanced farming for Rabi crops. These materials will facilitate weed control, balanced nutrient management, and regular field maintenance.
During the programme, experts provided detailed information to farmers about timely sowing of Rabi crops, balanced fertiliser use, scientific methods of pest and weed control, and the use of modern agricultural equipment. Farmers were informed that the use of nano urea provides instant nutrition to crops, leading to increased production. Proper use of herbicides can effectively control weeds, reducing competition for nutrients for crops.
On this occasion, Dr Rajiv Kumar, Dr Amit Kesarwani, Dr Swati, Dr Anil Kumar, Ram Pravesh Rajbhar and Pushpendra Mishra interacted with farmers, listened to their problems and provided scientific solutions. Officers stated that the government and agriculture department’s schemes aim to increase farmers’ income and introduce them to new technologies.
Enthusiasm and awareness were evident among farmers during the programme. Beneficiary farmers praised the initiative, stating that such schemes are particularly beneficial for small and marginal farmers. The free materials provided them for their financial assistance as well as technical guidance. This programme will prove to be an important step towards the social and economic uplift of Scheduled Caste farmers and will provide a new direction to agricultural development in the region.
