Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela, organised by IARI, New Delhi, on the theme “Self-reliant farmer with technical knowledge” during March 9-11, 2022, has been a huge success, claims the govt sources. In the valedictory session, 36 farmers from all corners of India were awarded with IARI innovative farmer award of 2022.
During the mela, nearly 40,000 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 a 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, Phosphorus and Potassium). About 1500 quintals of Pusa seeds were purchased by the farmers.
Two technical sessions were conducted on the last day while four were conducted a day before. 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 talked 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 and encouraged the spirit of innovation and partnership between indigenous technological innovations by farmers, backed by technical know-how.
The last technical session of this mela was on agri-start up and farmer producers organization. Dr A.K. Singh, DDG reiterated the benefits of FPOS especially for small farmers who are nervous about 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.
FPOs should collaborate among themselves in a business to business approach in balancing the supply level among areas of over-production and areas of dearth within the country, he stated.
The major attractions of the fair are: Smart/Digital Agriculture, Agri Startups and Farmer Producer Organization (FPO), Organic and Natural Farming, Protected Farming/Hydroponic/Aeroponic/Vertical Farming, Advisory for promotion of Export of Agricultural Products. The fair is showcasing new varieties developed by the institute, while other innovative technologies of IARI, such as the solar powered ‘Pusa-Farm Sun Fridge; Pusa Decomposer, Pusa Complete Bio-Fertilizer (unique liquid formulation providing Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium).