Formulate a modern seed policy to increase per-hectare productivity: UP CM
''As landholdings are continuously shrinking, the focus should not be only on acreage but on increasing 'per-hectare productivity,'" he pointed out.
Awareness on government welfare schemes, sustainable farming practices and technological interventions in agriculture and aquaculture took centre stage at the PM-KISAN Utsav Diwas organised jointly by the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Kausalyaganga, and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Khordha, on Sunday.
The programme brought together around 250 farmers, farm women and other stakeholders, providing them with information on scientific farming techniques, institutional support and flagship government initiatives.
Advertisement
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr Harapriya Nayak, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Khordha, who outlined the objectives of the event. Addressing the gathering, Dr S.S. Giri, Director In-charge of ICAR-CIFA, highlighted the importance of farmer-centric government initiatives and institutional support in enhancing agricultural productivity and strengthening aquaculture-based livelihoods.
Advertisement
Technical sessions were conducted by Gautam Parida, Assistant Agriculture Officer, Balianta, and Dr Nakul Mallick, former Seed Certification Officer, who briefed farmers on various government schemes and agricultural support services. Dr S.N. Sethi delivered a presentation on the benefits of biofertilisers, highlighting their role in improving soil health, reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers and promoting sustainable agriculture.
The programme also underscored the significance of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, a farmer-oriented initiative aimed at protecting agricultural fields, promoting scientific crop management and safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods. An interactive session enabled participants to share their experiences and seek expert guidance on farming-related issues.
Participants also watched the live telecast of the national PM-KISAN programme, during which Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 23rd instalment of the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi, transferring Rs 18,880 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to more than 9.44 crore eligible farmers across the country.
The programme was coordinated by Dr P.R. Sahoo, Subject Matter Specialist, KVK Khordha, and Dr I. Sivaraman, Senior Scientist, ICAR-CIFA.
Advertisement
