Training program on resilient hill farming organized by ICAR, Tripura Centre
A 3 days orientation cum capacity building program of farmers’ on ‘integrated watershed development for resilient hill farming’ under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) was organized at ICAR Research Complex, Tripura Centre, Lembucherra, West Tripura during 27th to 29th Dec, 2018. A total of 35 Tribal farmers comprising 10 each from North Tripura (Handirai para, Tirtharam para, Cheyaram para, Khagendra para and Taranjay para), Dhalai (Maharanipur and Kathalutma) and 15 from West Tripura (Belbari, Charkalak para, and Beniyapara) attended the training program.
The objective of the program was to acquaint the farmers on various improved agricultural technologies for their possible implementation in the respective villages under TSP program of ICAR Research Complex, Tripura Centre with the ultimate aim of enhancing livelihood of Tribal hill farmers. The program comprised of interaction cum practical sessions on resilient integrated hill farming system, Conservation Agriculture, soil and water conservation measures, nursery management and vegetable cultivation, integrated soil health management, backyard farming, composite fish culture, mushroom farming, low cost techniques for productivity enhancement, high yielding crop and livestock varieties for Tripura, etc.
The emphasis of the program was on low/no cost technologies and utilizing available local resources for income and livelihood improvement of Tribal farmers. Dr. Basant Kandpal, Joint Director, ICAR Research Complex, Tripura Centre, and Course Director of program in his inaugural address asked the participating farmers to adopt improved technologies for enhancing productivity and income. He suggested farmers to adopt improved Jhum farming practices for sustainable food security. Emphasis was given on utilizing rice fallow areas for cultivation of pulses (pea, lentil etc.) and oilseeds (rapeseed and mustard, sesame, sunflower etc.) to enhance cropping intensity and farmers’ income. Farmers were trained on improved crop production of pulses, oilseeds, maize, mustard etc. for conservation of natural resources and income enhancement. During the feedback session, farmers expressed their satisfaction and happiness for their exposure to innovative farming approaches. The program was jointly coordinated by a team of scientists comprising Dr. Anup Das, Dr. Lopamudra Sahoo, Dr. G. S. Yadav, Dr. Chandan Debnath, Dr. Vinay Singh.
