A program of “Plantation Drive and Agri Drone Demonstration” was organized at the Research Farm ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation (ICAR-IISWC), Selakui, Dehradun and IFFCO, Dehradun on 13th September 2023. About 200 people participated including progressive farmers, scientists, technical officers, and other staff attended the program. The program was organised under the provision of the TSP program of IISWC.

Dr. M. Madhu, Director, IISWC, Sh. R.K. Srivastava, State Marketing Manager IFFCO, Dehradun, Head of Divisions, CAO, OIC Farm, spoke in the program. Dr Madhu called for getting back to the forgotten traditional crops like millets and its importance in order to revive our farming systems and achieve nutritional security. He also enlightened the processing aspect of jackfruit to gain good income for self-help groups of farmers.

Dr. M. Muruganandam, Principal Scientist and Coordinator of SCSP/TSP, IISWC earlier welcoming participants spoke on the significance of the program that was aimed to promote the use of drones in agriculture activities and greening the landscapes by plantations through the involvement of the stakeholders.

Sh. R. K. Srivastava discussed the effectiveness of IFFCO products like Nano urea, Nano DAP, and Sagarika over granular fertilizers. He also explained the procedure and dosage of these products.

Dr. RK Sigh, Head (Hydrology and Engineering Division), Dr. JMS Tomar Head (Plant Science Division), Dr Gopal Kumar, Head (Soil Science Division) interacted with the participants on the various farming issues. Dr. A.C. Rathore, Principal Scientist (Horticulture) briefed about the importance of jackfruit and plantation techniques for the establishment of fruit orchards. Dr Anupam Barh Scientist discussed the cultivation practices and health benefits of mushrooms. He also highlighted the processing of mushrooms to increase the small and marginal farmer's income.

The Programme coordinator Dr. M. Sankar arranged for a Drone demonstration to the participants. Dr. Ramanjeet Singh enlightened us about the current problems faced by farmers and suggested horticulture crops in the hilly regions. Sh. Khan, ADO, the Horticulture department made the farmers aware of the schemes and support facilities provided by the state government to benefit farmers.

Few progressive farmers shared their experiences and problems faced in farming. Quoting the required facilities and guidance from the institute, they appreciated the efforts of the institute in assisting the farming communities through various programs like this and through the field interventions.

Each farmer participant was given a pack with a plant of lemon and amla and a Nano urea bottle for planting and for self-testing of nano-urea in their fields. Also, the interested farmers were supplied with mushroom substrate with spawn for cultivation at their premises. During the program all the participants planted the Jackfruit and Jamun plants on the research farm as a plantation drive. At the end, the participants thanked the organisers and the Institute.