The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), established as an autonomous body in 1929, celebrated its Foundation Day on July 16th, 2024. While agriculture is entering the technology revolution in India, there are various communities especially tribal farmers deprived of various needs for improved and allied livelihood practices. AROEHAN collaborates with farmers and different institutions to integrate farmers’ needs like spheres of crop production, orchard plantation, livestock management, and goat rearing, among other practices. On ICAR’s 96th Foundation Day, AROEHAN conducted a study tour for farmers of Jawhar to Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Kosbad Hill, Dahanu.

Senior Scientist Dr. Vilas Jadhav briefed farmers about Krish Vigyan Kendra (KVK) which is an integral part of the National Agriculture Research System (NARS) that aims at the assessment of location-specific technology modules in agriculture and allied enterprises, through technology assessment, refinement, and demonstrations. Subject Matter Agronomy Specialist Mr. Bharat Kushare talked about utilising modern technology for lower cost of rice production and gave information on nursery cultivation, tray rice, mattress steam, and modern machinery.

Mr. PV Wartha, Farm Manager at KVK, elaborated on techniques like the token method of paddy cultivation, Saguna Rice Technique, Derm Method, Benefits of mulching paper planting – which can help retain moisture in the soil, which reduces the need for irrigation. Mr Ashok Bhoir, PA of Soil Science, gave instructions about orchard plantation, and the farmers were also briefed about bee-keeping for honey production and poultry farming by Mr. Uttam Sahane- an entomology specialist.

KVKs have been functioning as a Knowledge and Resource Centre of agricultural technology supporting initiatives of the public, private, and voluntary sectors for improving the agricultural economy of the district and linking the NARS with the extension system and farmers. 35 Farmers from Nyhale and Borale Gram Panchayats of Jawhar benefitted from AROEHAN’s expedition to Kosbad’s KVK.