ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Research Centre, Ballari celebrated National Farmer’s Day on 23rd December 2023 at Mattajanahalli village, Sandur taluk, Ballari district. The programme was chaired by Dr. B. Krishna Rao, Head of Centre in the presence of Chief guest Shri. Timmappa S.B, village leader and progressive farmer of Mattajanahalli. The programme was coordinated by Dr. B S Naik, Principal Scientist (SWCE) & Nodal officer, TSP and Co-coordinated by Dr. Ravi Dupdal Sr. Scientist (Ag.Econ.), Dr. M. Prabhavathi, Sr. Sci. (Soil) and Mr. Ravi K.N, Scientist (Ag. Extn). The programme was actively participated by farmers from both TSP adopted Mattajanahalli village and earlier SCSP adopted village Chelumehalli Tanda. The programme was started with lighting of lamp and ICAR Song. During the programme, progressive and innovative farmers from both villages were honored by Centre Head Dr. B. K. Rao by awarding certificate of appreciation for adoption of soil and water conservation techniques implemented under Tribal Sub-Plan and Schedule Caste Sub-Plan programmes, and also appreciated them for their initiatives and responsibilities in Swachhta and cleanliness activities in the villages.

Dr. Rao addressed the farmers regarding the importance of Farmer’s Day Celebration, as it is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister of India, Shri. Chaudhary Charan Singh Ji, who introduced various schemes and benefits to uplift the farming community in the country. Further, Dr. Rao also sensitized the farmers regarding growing of demand based crops, scope of natural farming, horticulture, forestry and also adoption of soil conservation techniques to increase the farm income. During the event farmers shared their views about the on-going activities under Tribal Sub-Plan and Schedule Caste Sub-Plan programmes and an interaction meeting was held between the farmers and the Scientific experts to give solutions to the problems being faced by farmers in agriculture. During the event Scientists of Research Centre, Ballari, Dr. B S Naik, Dr. Ramesha M N, Dr. Prabhavathi M, Dr. Ravi Dupdal, Mr. Ravi. K N and Miss. Anusha M N also addressed the farmers regarding importance of Farmers Day and measures to be taken by the farmers to conserve soil and water, so that the income of the farmers can be increased with the available natural resources. Farmers expressed their gratitude towards the ICAR-IISWC, Research Centre, Ballari for implementing various SWC and livelihood activities in their villages and they honoured Dr. B K Rao, Head of the Centre, and Dr. B.S.Naik, Principal Scientist. At the end, formal vote of thanks was proposed by Miss. Anusha M N, Scientist (Fruits). After completion of Farmers Day program, Swachhta Pakhwada Campaign was also organized along with farmers and villagers and created awareness about Swachhta and cleanliness in the village. The programme was assisted by Sh. Mohan Kumar, T.O., Sh. Gaurav Bhati, Technician, Sh. Ravichandra, Technical officer (VD), Sh. Nazeer, Mazdoor and Shiva Kumar, contractual staff. A total of 92 members including farmers and office staff attended the Farmers Day programme at Mattajanahalli.