Farmer’s awareness and training program on bioinputs use in millet cultivation in the aspirational districts of Odisha
Bioinputs use has augmented the benefits of crop production by minimising the detrimental effects of overuse of fertilizers and pesticides that significantly deteriorates soil fertility with residual effect in crops. At the MSSRF-DBT-KISAN sub hub I, Odisha, framer’s training and awareness program on the use of bioinoculants were organised in the three aspirational districts, viz., Koraput, Rayagada and Malkangiri. The purpose was to create awareness, enhance farmers’ knowledge and to train them to use bioinoculants such as biofertilizers and biopesticides to address soil nutrient deficiencies as well pest and disease attack. The farmers were familiarized on the plant growth promoting functions of the different microbial products like Pseudomonas, Azotobacter, Trichoderma, Rhizobium and Phosphobacteria, used as both liquid and talc formulated products. They were trained on the dose of use, different methods and modes and time interval of application of bioinoculants.
The training program was conducted on 09.03.2021; 27 farmers (5 male & 22 female) from Machara and 15 farmers (2 male & 13 female) from Dangri maliguda villages of the Koraput district participated. The training conducted in two sessions highlighted the beneficial role of biofertilizers, methods, dosage and mode of applications and demonstration using plate-assay, seed treatment etc.; an interactive session with the farmers facilitated them to explain in detail the problems in the standing crops in their fields in terms of nutrient deficiency, pest and disease attack. The resource scientist recommended the use of suitable biofertilizer such as nitrogen fixers, phosphate solubilizers and potash mobilizers for addressing nutrient deficiencies and use of biocontrol agents such as Trichoderma, Pseudomonas, Bacillus etc. for pest and disease management. The farmers were oriented about the DBT-Biotech -KISAN Hub project being implemented in the 3 aspirational districts and the role of the young professionals in the respective villages. Mr. Prashant Parida explained about the current year action plan with reference to
the demonstration trials to be carried out in the respective villages. Dr. Jegan and Mr. Abhisek further provided insights on soil microorganisms and their role as biofertilizer and biocontrol agent for the management of soil nutrient and disease and pest attack. Dr. Oliver King inspected the current agroforestry system and the methods of preserving the traditional varieties which are vanishing nowadays in both the villages i.e., Phatagada and Tulashichappar. Thus the farmers associated with the biotech KISAN hub were well oriented on the role and use of bioinputs. In the current Kharif season the farmers will be provided with the necessary bioinputs and will be assisted on the application of the bioinputs.
On 11th March 2021 farmer’s interaction meeting was conducted in Phatagada and Tulashichappar villages of Rayagada district; with the participation of 31-farmers (22, Male and 09, Female) and 24 farmers (11, Male and 13, Female) from the respective villages. Similarly, in the aspirational district of Malkangiri awareness meetings were conducted in Karadabadi village with 30 farmers (10-Males and 20-Females) on 12th March 2021 and 30 farmers (07-Males and 23-Females) from K. Atalguda villages on 13th March 2021.
Overall, 157 farmers from six villages were oriented on the optimal use of bioinputs and adoption of improved cultivation practices in the upcoming cropping season.
Resource person details:
- Dr. Israel Oliver King, MSSRF Chennai
- Dr. S. Jegan, MSSRF Chennai
- Mr. Prashant Parida, MSSRF Jeypore
- Mr. Abhisek Adhikari, Young professional II, MSSRF Chennai