ICAR-NIBSM empowers 4100 farmers with sustainable farming techniques
Launched by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the campaign aims to bridge the gap between lab-based innovations and grassroots agricultural practices.
Between May 29 and June 3, a team of 20 scientists from ICAR-NIBSM visited 49 villages across 25 blocks in 10 districts of Chhattisgarh. Partnering with 25 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and the State Agriculture Department, the team directly interacted with over 4,100 farmers, promoting sustainable practices and science-backed solutions.
The campaign focused on Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) technology, which farmers welcomed for its water-saving and cost-effective benefits. Scientists also advocated for Integrated Pest Management (IPM), the use of biofertilizers, biopesticides, and biocontrol agents, and techniques for biotic stress management.
Farmers received training in natural farming, soil health management, seed treatment, and balanced fertilizer use.
Notably, awareness on the 'One Health' approach—addressing human, animal, and environmental health through responsible antibiotic use—was also a part of the initiative.
The outreach included detailed sessions on central and state govt schemes, offering farmers insights into available support for inputs, crop insurance, and infrastructure. These interactions also allowed scientists to gather feedback on field challenges, helping refine future research and interventions.
At a press briefing, Dr PK Rai, director of ICAR-NIBSM, lauded the scientists' efforts and emphasized the need for sustained engagement with the farming community. "Science-led solutions can transform rural livelihoods. Our mission is to reduce input costs, increase yields, and enhance farmers' quality of life," Dr. Rai stated.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Not just students, PGI Chandigarh now opens its volunteer-driven Project Sarathi for common citizens too
'Project Sarathi', involving the National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers in managing patient influx at the PGIMER, was launched last year. The scheme, conceived by Pankaj Rai, deputy director, Administration, saw the involvement of NSS volunteers, which significantly improved the patient management process at the hospital, easing the burden on the medical staff and providing invaluable support to the patients and their families. As the project continues to evolve, the PGIMER administration has now opened the Project Sarathi for citizens, and not just NSS volunteers, to assist patients and their attendants. The decision is expected to bring much-needed relief to thousands of patients who visit the institute daily. The hospital system is often overwhelming and confusing for patients, especially for those coming from rural areas. With more volunteers guiding them through processes like registration, bill payments, and navigating different departments, the PGIMER aims to ease the patient journey, improve services, and patient care. Rai shared that the decision to open the project to citizens was taken after the institute received an overwhelming response from students, not only NSS volunteers. 'Since July 17, in just 15 days, over 1,000 students have applied to become Sarathi volunteers. We didn't expect this kind of response in such a short time. We are sure we will now have many citizens also come forward to be part of Sarathi,' Rai said. Interestingly, it's not just students who are showing interest; several common citizens have also expressed their desire to volunteer and be a part of this patient-friendly initiative. This prompted the PGIMER to take the next big step, to open Project Sarathi for every willing individual, regardless of their background. 'Service doesn't look at age, profession, or qualifications. If someone genuinely wishes to assist patients at the PGIMER, we welcome them to join us,' Rai added. Started to assist patients and their families in understanding the institute's complex hospital system, Sarathi volunteers guide people from getting their OPD slips to meeting the right doctor. These volunteers are posted in different hospital blocks and help people navigate through processes like registration, billing, report collection, and more. Besides logistical help, volunteers also provide emotional support and often feel lost in the hospital's busy corridors. To strengthen this initiative, the PGIMER has also launched the 'Sarathi Feedback Mobile App' that will enable volunteers to collect real-time feedback from patients and their families after assisting them. The feedback will be sent directly to the institute's administration, helping them understand service gaps and areas that need immediate improvement. Rai emphasised that the feedback app will bring transparency and accountability into the system. 'Our policies and improvements will now be guided by patient feedback. This blend of service and technology will make PGIMER's healthcare delivery more effective and patient-centric,' he said. Anyone, be it students or common citizens, interested in volunteering under Project Sarathi can send an email with their name, institution (if applicable), and contact details to ddapgi@ Once the application is received, PGI will provide orientation and training to ensure the volunteers are well-prepared to guide and assist patients effectively. The PGIMER's School of Public Health recently surveyed this project to analyse the benefits patients are experiencing. The study has revealed that patients visiting the institute for treatment for the first time benefit the most from the project, with 42 per cent of first-time visitors utilising Sarathi services, 30 per cent for the second visit, and 28 per cent of patients and their attendants using Sarathi after two trips. Usually, a new patient seeking treatment takes about four hours from getting the registration card made to going to the OPD and receiving treatment. With the help of Sarathi, new patients take only two hours and a few minutes for this entire process, saving close to 1 hour 50 minutes for each patient.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Leafhopper outbreak threatens cotton crop in North India: SABC
Bathinda: South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC), a scientific organisation, has flagged infestation of green leafhoppers (jassid), commonly known as "hara tela" on cotton across major cotton-growing districts of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. The infestation has impacted Mansa, Bathinda, Fazilka in Punjab; Hisar, Fatehabad, Sirsa in Haryana and Hanumangarh, Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan. SABC observed the outbreak during a field survey conducted under Project Bandhan by the Jodhpur-based centre, which has its research and development wing in Sirsa. The field team led by Dilip Monga, Bhagirath Choudhary, Naresh, Deepak Jakhar and K S Bhardwaj reported infestation levels of 12 to 15 leafhoppers per leaf, significantly above the economic threshold level (ETL). The field survey also reported cotton leaf injuries exceeding ETL based on the damage grading system. For the past three consecutive weeks, green leafhopper (jassid) populations have exceeded ETL, triggering yellowing of leaf margins and downward curling, classic symptoms of a jassid attack. The outbreak is being attributed to a confluence of weather conditions, including above average rainfall, an increased number of rainy days, persistent humidity and cloud cover, all of which have created ideal conditions for jassid proliferation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Patna: 1 Trick to Reduce Belly Fat? Home Fitness Hack Shop Now Undo Fields were graded from three to four, based on the ICAR-CICR infestation scale, indicating severe to extreme damage. "The leafhopper infestation has emerged at a time when overall conditions are significantly better than the past three to four years. The crop appears to be robust across the northern region, except in late-sown areas of Sri Ganganagar, where irrigation was unavailable during the sowing period", said Bhagirath Choudhary, director, South Asia Biotechnology Centre's high-tech R&D station, Sirsa. Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida) leafhopper is commonly referred to as an Indian cotton jassid or "hara tela". Leafhopper adults are very active, pale green in colour, measuring about 3.5mm in length, with two distinct black spots on forewings and vertex. They are readily identified by their characteristic diagonal movement on the leaves and are hence referred to as "leafhoppers". Population of leafhoppers occurs throughout the season but attains pest status during July-August. Up to 11 generations per season have been estimated to occur on cotton. Both nymphs and adults of leafhoppers suck the cell sap from cotton tissue and inject toxin, causing "hopper burn" symptom, characterised by yellowing, browning, and drying of leaves. The affected leaves show crinkling and curling symptoms. In extreme situations, there is reduced photosynthetic activity, browning and drying of leaves that can considerably hamper productivity of the cotton, and yield losses of up to 30%, if left unmanaged. PAU scientist Paramjit Singh said that there was no cause for alarm as the leafhopper was only a little above ETL. However, the survey team noted that failure to control the green leafhopper infestation promptly could lead to damage to the cotton crop in the coming days. Farmers must remain alert and take immediate action to manage the pest effectively to avoid potential yield losses. SABC has urged cotton farmers to adopt science-backed measures to effectively manage and control the growing menace of green leafhoppers (jassids). Such measures include regular field monitoring, accurate pest identification and assessment of infestation severity. Recommendations include use of neem-based bio-insecticides or other eco-friendly, organic pesticides to manage mild infestations and spray during early morning or late evening, when the wind is calm. It is important to ensure thorough coverage, especially on the underside of leaves, where pests usually hide. Farmers must also eliminate weeds within the field and along borders, since they serve as alternative hosts for leafhoppers and other pests. Pic: Survey in Sahnewali village in Mansa and Sirsa Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Agri research crucial for food security: ICAR chief
1 2 Hyderabad: India must invest at least 1% of its agricultural GDP in research and innovation to drive reforms and keep pace with global trends, said Mangilal Jat, the newly appointed director general of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Speaking at the 55th convocation of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University on Saturday, Jat said that strengthening agricultural research is vital for improving productivity and ensuring food and nutritional security. "Despite being one of the world's largest agricultural producers, India's investment in agri-research remains low. Many countries invest a minimum of 2%; we are lagging behind," he said. He emphasised the need for science-driven innovation that reaches every farmer and called for multidisciplinary research, the establishment of a second gene bank, and greater utilisation of ICT tools and big data. He also underscored the importance of inclusive policies that address gender and social diversity. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad Addressing the gathering, university chancellor and governor Jishnu Dev Varma cited successful outreach initiatives such as 'Rythu Mungitlo Sastravethalu', which engaged over 1.2 lakh farmers across 1,200 villages in Telangana. "We've promoted practices such as reduced urea use, water conservation, and crop diversification," he said. At the convocation, degrees were awarded to approximately 830 students from the 2021–22 academic year, and around 30 students received gold medals for academic excellence. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
