Scientists Engage Women Farmers Under ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’ Discussions Held on Advanced Farming Techniques and Challenges in Hilly Regions

Chaukhutiya (Almora):
As part of the ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) organized a special outreach program in Digout village of Chaukhutiya block, focusing on the issues faced by women farmers and sharing scientific agricultural advancements. The event was chaired by Dr. Lakshmikant, Director of the Institute, who interacted directly with the farmers and assured solutions through research-based interventions.

Women farmers highlighted critical challenges such as inadequate irrigation facilities, crop damage from wild animals, unavailability of quality seeds, and lack of timely access to fertilizers and chemicals. Dr. Kushagra Joshi, the campaign’s nodal officer, emphasized that empowering women farmers is essential for transforming the state’s agricultural landscape.

The program included dissemination of information on climate-resilient and locally suited crops like mandua (finger millet), madira, and red rice. Key topics covered included soil health cards, soil sample analysis, and light trap techniques for pest control. Dr. Dinesh Chandra Joshi distributed seeds of a new variety of mandua called ‘VL Mandua 400’ and recommended replacing traditional broadcasting methods with transplantation for better yields.

Under the campaign, scientists have visited 36 villages across Almora and Chamoli districts, engaging with 558 farmers. In Salt block, discussions focused on improved varieties and pest management for crops such as mandua, chili, ginger, turmeric, and kulthi. Technical guidance was also provided on issues affecting the local yellow chili variety ‘Dada’.

In five villages of Joshimath, 146 farmers were engaged in conversations covering drone technology in agriculture, youth migration, and crop insurance schemes. Improved planting material for crops like chappan kaddu (squash), peas, and onions was distributed, along with technical literature on kharif crops.

The institute is also actively working with farmers to implement a participatory seed production program for mandua to ensure local availability of quality seeds.