Discussions were held on the upliftment of the farming industry
Recently CSIR-NIScPR has undertaken a major initiative for the dissemination of CSIR technologies for creating livelihood opportunities in rural areas in the wake of the situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, a farmer-industry-scientist meet was organised at Lovraj Auditorium, CSIR-IIP Dehradun to disseminate the Kisan Sabha App and Gur Bhatti Technology to the farmers. The objective was to disseminate the Kisan Sabha application developed by CSIR-NIScPR and Gur Bhatti Technology developed by CSIR IIP Dehradun, for creating livelihood opportunities in rural areas; and also to develop the business opportunities for the farmers’ livelihood creation and enhance their income. In the meeting, scientists, industrialists, financers and farmers came together on a single platform to discuss all the opportunities and challenges.
Dr Anjan Ray, Director CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP), Dehradun, encouraged such meetings that will help ensure the economic security and health of rural people. He asserted the need for enhanced production with limited resources as well as to minimise the environmental impacts of the process.
Prof Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication & policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), New Delhi, expressed her gratitude to the farmers and described the recent initiatives taken by CSIR-NIScPR towards the livelihood creation and income generation in the rural areas through CSIR-Technologies.
Dr Yogesh Suman, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, discussed the importance of the meeting to sort out the challenges faced by the farmers. Dr Pankaj Arya, Principal Scientist, CSIR-IIP, emphasised that the traditional gur making process results in air pollution in the region and expressed the need for advanced technology solutions. Given this, CSIR-IIP has developed advanced, simple and affordable Gur Bhatti technology that not only reduces the emission of pollutants but also increases the efficiency of the Gur Bhatti by reducing the fuel cost by 15 per cent and increasing production by 25 per cent.
Dr Farhat Azad, Principal Scientist, CSIR- NIScPR discussed the Kisan Sabha App and also demonstrated it in front of the farmers. The app was launched to uplift the livelihood of small and marginal farmers. Discussing the dependency on the middle man and lack of information in the supply chain, she described the Idea of the Kisan Sabha App assimilating the idea of utilisation in the agri-supply chain.
A comprehensive presentation of the central/state governments and NABARD initiatives towards funding for farmers was given by Bhupendra Kumawat, AGM, NABARD Dehradun.
Satya Prakash from Dhampure Specialty Sugars explained the need for the marketing strategy to sell the product in the market. He emphasised on to make other products like Sirka that will enhance the income of the farmer.
Ajay Gairola discussed the opportunities for farmers in the retail sector. He further emphasised the exploration of linkages between farmers and retailers which is yet less explored. In the concluding session, the meeting was concluded with the success stories of the farmers.
