PANAJI: Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela, organised by IARI, New Delhi, on the theme “Self-reliant farmer with technical knowledge” during March 9-11, 2022, concluded today. In the valedictory session, 36 farmers from all corners of India were awarded with IARI innovative farmer award of 2022, states a press release.
During the mela, nearly 40 thousand farmers from different regions of the country participated and learned about varieties and technologies of IARI and 100 ICAR institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendras. IARI gave live exhibition on drone technology, precision farming, wheat varieties, fruits, vegetables, flowers, different agricultural models and farmer advisory services.
The major attractions of the fair were: Smart/Digital Agriculture, Agri Startups and Farmer Producer Organization (FPO), innovative technologies of IARI, such as the solar powered ‘Pusa-Farm Sun Fridge; Pusa Decomposer, Pusa Complete Bio-Fertilizer (unique liquid formulation providing Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium). About 1500 quintals of Pusa seeds were purchased by the farmers.
Two technical sessions were conducted today. The first session was on “Innovative farmers meet” which was presided over by Dr KV Prabhu, Chairperson, PPVFRA. Director Dr. A. K Singh welcomed the Chairperson and Co chairman Dr. D.K. Yadav, ADG (Seeds), ICAR with brief description about their contribution to Indian agriculture.
Dr Singh told about technically empowered farmers to harness the potential of technology. He informed about the key information disseminating portals like Pusa Sarathi, the 24 hour helpline, Pusa samachar in solving agricultural problems. Dr Prabhu stressed on the synergy between farmers and scientists. He highlighted the importance of curiosity and strife. According to him, new horizons for farmers are opening with advent of new technologies. Government is always ready to help farmers wholeheartedly to access facilities, funds, and technical knowledge. He narrated the importance of PPVFRA and value of IPR, rights of farmers in breeding and seeds development which is recognized worldwide.
Dr D.K. Yadav continued the spirit of Dr Prabhu’s advise to the farmers to be conscious about their rights. He encouraged the spirit of innovation and partnership between indigenous technological innovations by farmers, backed by technical knowhow. Innovative farmers from across the nation who were awarded by the institute addressed the gathering and shared their experience and expertise. They highlighted the role of IARI technologies in leveraging their journey towards success and better income.
The last technical session of this mela was on agri-startup and farmer producers organisation. Dr A.K. Singh, DDG (Extension), ICAR was the chief guest of the session. The dais was shared by Dr. S.K Malhotra, Agriculture Commissioner, Govt of India and Sanjay Garg, Secretary, ICAR and Additional secretary, DARE. Dr. Singh reiterated the benefits of FPOS especially for small farmers who are nervous in entering the big market and farmers in general. He stressed on cluster-based facilitation centre for farmers for helping them in processing and value addition to achieve the 10,000 FPO goals set by the Prime minister of India.
The recent ODOP programme initiated by Union Govt. would only be successful if proper market support is accessed and that is only possible for farmers of all economic levels through FPO only. The success of FPO in maximising the income can be achieved by direct selling to the consumers of industrial scale. Also, the ordinary consumers are eager to purchase food products with traceable quality parameters which can only be guaranteed by the personalized approach of FPO having a familiar face. FPOs should collaborate among themselves in business to business approach in balancing the supply level among areas of over-production and areas of dearth within the country.
