Farmers’ Scientist Interaction For Doubling Farmers Income
A one day Farmers’ - Scientist Interaction programme for doubling farmers’ income was organized by KVK – Ri Bhoi, ICAR Umiam at Umraleng Village, Ri Bhoi District, Meghalaya on 11th October, 2017 sponsored by ATMA Nongpoh. About 60 farmers and 8 officials of KVK Ri-Bhoi and ATMA Nongpoh participated in the programme. Dr. M. Mokidul Islam, Senior Scientist & Head KVK – Ri Bhoi, briefly talked about the seven points strategies to achieved the goal of doubling farming income by the year 2022 in the adopted village. He explained about utilization of available water/ irrigation facilities in the village for growing high value low volume crops, increase yield of crops by adopting improved and promising variety, utilization of soil health card to reduce cost of cultivation, utilization of warehouse and cold chain for storage of vegetables and fruits for higher market price, reduce post harvest loss by value addition and food processing for higher income, marketing linkages through e-NAM, Insurance of crops under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY) and take the benefit of the scheme by paying premium of only 2% for kharif crops, 1.5 % for Rabi crops and 5% for commercial/horticultural crops with 100% recovery. He also asked the farmers to test their soils at KVK Ri -Bhoi for nutrient status and recommendations for higher productivity. He further encouraged the farmers to adopt Integrated Farming System (IFS) model to ensure better income and livelihood. Shri P. Mawa, Project Director, ATMA in his address, expressed his thanks and gratitude for inviting him to the programme and hope that the programme will bring a positive outcome and impact in the village. He also mention that Meghalaya as a state could meet only 50% of rice requirement, a little bit of oil seeds and lots of vegetables and fruits but could export less quantity only. So, the farmers have a great opportunity to produces more quantity of rice, pulses, oilseed, vegetables and fruits. He also said to the farmers that the government encourages organic farming as utilization of chemical could harm the health of the soil and environment, by adopting organic farming our production might be less but the income will be more by utilizing organic nutrients with less expenditure and earn more. He further said that the villager need to work hand in hand with KVK – Ri Bhoi, ATMA Nongpoh and other agri. and allied department so as to increase their earning and get a better livelihood and bright future. During the group discussion and interaction, the farmers shared their problems and needs in relation to agriculture and allied activities and KVK Scientists’ replied their queries for doubling farmers’ income.
Dr Mokidul Islam, Head, KVK Ri-Bhoi addressing the gathering Shri P. Mawa, PD , ATMA , Nongpoh, addressing the gathering
Farmers interacting with SMSs Participants of the programme
