On July 9, 2024, the ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation (ICAR-IISWC), Dehradun, organized a Kisan Ghosti in Raipur Block to sensitize farmers about the issues related to Kharif season crops and livestock and propose potential solutions. This event was a part of the ongoing Farmers’ First Project executed by IISWC in Village Koti Mechak, one of the adopted villages in Raipur Block of Dehradun District.
Dr. Bankey Bihari, Principal Scientist and PI of the Project at IISWC, discussed various interventions implemented under the project and the successes achieved through the continuous efforts of the project team and the support of the farming communities. He encouraged farmers to take advantage of the program and highlighted successful models demonstrated under the project.
Dr. M. Muruganandam, Principal Scientist and Head of the PME & KM Unit at IISWC, explored the potential of fish, livestock, and poultry-based livelihoods and food production avenues available to farmers. He debunked common myths regarding animal vaccinations and medications and emphasized the importance of periodic vaccination of farm animals, deworming, clean water, proper feed and fodder, sanitation of sheds, and timely care or culling of sick animals for successful farming.
Dr. C.M.S. Negi, Project Officer at the Uttarakhand Seeds and Tarai Development Corporation Ltd (UKS&TDC), highlighted the benefits and outcomes of ongoing interventions by UKS&TDC to produce seed-quality crops, particularly minor millets, by farmers in the project. He briefed the farmers on seed production techniques and encouraged them to shift from grain production to seed production to maximize benefits.
Dr. Matbar Singh Rana, Senior Scientist, discussed planting techniques for forest and horticulture tree crops. He emphasized utilizing degraded land for plantation works to generate additional income.
Dr. Indu Rawat, Senior Scientist, spoke on women's empowerment in farm-related decision-making and reducing women's drudgery. Dr. Trisha Roy, Scientist, informed farmers about the importance of soil health and maintaining plant nutrients and soil fertility through techniques like vermi-compost incorporation, mulching, especially sunhemp mulching, and green manuring in the field. The program was held at the Agri-business Growth Center, a Farmers' Produce Organization (FPO) in the village. The FPO’s Sh Kusal Pal Singh spoke on the support facilities available at the Center for the benefit of farmers and consumers.
Approximately 50 farmers, including farmwomen from Kandogal and Koti Mechak, participated and benefited from the knowledge shared by the multidisciplinary experts. The Kisan Goshthi was coordinated by Dr. Indu Rawat, Senior Scientist, with support from Sh. Anil Malik and Sh. Vikash Yadav, project staff.
