One day training-cum-awareness programme on “Soil Health Management” under project- Establishment of Biotech-KISAN Hub for Aspirational Districts of Eastern Plateau and Hills, and Western Hills was organized at Tulasi Chapar Village in Rayagada District on January 24, 2021. A total of about 94 participants including Officers from different departments participated in the programme. The farmers were first welcomed by Sh. Amit Kumar Behra and Sh. Kurtibash YPs-II, Rayagada. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Suresh Kumar, Scientist (Ag. Econ.) and Dr. Karma Beer, Scientist (Fruit Science).

Resource persons (Manjushree Singh, VAW, Rayagada, Ganeswar Samantray, ASCO, Kashipur, Kameswar Acharya, Forester, Tikiri, Mr L. P. Majhi, Forest Ranger officer) from different line departments were participated and sensitized farmers about the on-going schemes in their respective department. The training programme was focused on the following areas:

• Farm pond
• Field bunding
• Vermicompost
• Nutri Garden
• Nutri Garden
• Mushroom Cultivation
• Orchard Establishment
• Creation of water sources
• Agriculture allied activities with conservation aspect

At the end, farmers extended their sincere thanks to team ICAR-IISWC and MSSRF for organizing training at their village, and also assured their cooperation for successful implementation of the project activities in their village. The programme was concluded with vote of thanks by YPs.