ICAR- IISWC RC Udhagamandalam organized a training programme on “Soil and Water Conservation Measures, post harvest and Value addition” at Semmanarai, Kotagiri under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) on 23.02.2021in association with Nilgiri Adivasi Welfare Association (NAWA) an NGO. From the Centre Dr. K. Kannan Principal Scientist & Head, Dr. P. Sundarambal, Pr. Scientist, Extension, Dr. Vanitha S. M.,Scientist Agricultural Economics Dr. Sudheer Kumar, Scientist, Vegetable Science, Sri. Dinesh Goel, AAO and Mr. Sangili, Technical Assistant participated in the programme. The programme was inaugurated by Thiru N. Chandran, Assistant Director of Horticulture, Kotagiri. Dr. P. Sundarambal, Pr. Scientist and Training Coordinator from the Centre welcomed the gathering and explained about the various activities carried out under TSP and about the training programme. Around 32 farmers from 12 different tribal villages like Kolikarai, Kolitorai, Semmanarai, Kambayur etc., participated in this programme.

Dr. Kannan, Principal Scientist and head of the centre in his presidential address briefed about the TSP activities carried out in the past. He also emphasized the importance of consideration of soil and water resources in hilly regions under the changing climatic scenario. Thiru N. Chandran in his chief guest address highlighted the importance of conserving the vital natural resources viz. soil and water through organic farming for sustainable agriculture in hilly regions. He also reiterated that value addition is essential for the plantations crops, fruit and vegetables crops grown in the region for enhancing livelihood security. He explained about the various welfare schemes implemented by Horticulture Department and the procedure to avail the same. A technical session was also convened in which lectures were delivered.

Technical session was followed by field visit to the progressive farmer’s field wherein the farmers were exposed to various soil and water conservation practices adopted in plantation and vegetable crops. An exhibition was also organized during the session in which exhibits on various soil and water conservation technologies developed by the Centre were displayed. Literatures pertaining to Seasonal Calendar, SWC measures in hilly region, Cover crops and grasses for soil and water conservation were distributed to the participants.

Various other central government schemes like Mera Gaanv Mera Gaurav (MGMG) and Swachh Bharath Abhiyan were also explained to the tribal farmers. Awareness on preventive measures for COVID-19 was created among the tribal farmers. In the feedback session farmers expressed their contentment about the TSP activities and training programme carried out by the Centre. In this session the farmers also put forth their demands, problems and priorities and in the discussion their doubts were clarified and ensured that their needs will be taken into account in the future programme. Various inputs were also distributed under TSP to the tribal farmers. The Programme ended with Vote of Thanks by Shri. K. Balasubramaniam. NAWA