In the wake of the resounding success of the Millionaire Farmer of India Awards 2023, Krishi Jagran continues its commitment to fostering agricultural excellence through a series of farmer-centric events across the country. One such remarkable event, the Samridh Kisan Utsav, unfolded on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, in the vibrant city of Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
The head of Raipur Zila Panchayat, Vishwadeep, aims to carve credit-worthy farmers, presented a pay cheque of Rs 41000 to four farmers. Under Krishishak Ukpadak Samvedan, several FPOs participated in IIHR Bengaluru activity. "Four farmers stood successful and the IIHR Bengaluru University payback price is here," he added.
The subject of discussion was paddy crop management, cultivation of millets, innovations in the tractor industry, and innovations in secondary agriculture – a roadmap for FPOs in the district. Several eminent figures in the world of agriculture spoke on important issues. Dr. Swati Pardhi, Scientist in Plant Protection about Disease & Pest Management in Rice Crop, KVK Raipur, created an awareness about the harmful causes of pesticides. "This medicine does not protect your plants from insects, instead it eats up your plant." She further added that there is a lack of awareness among farmers as they do not understand the drawbacks of using pesticides.
Dr. Rajesh Agrawal, Scientist Food Processing KVK Raipur, discussing the Secondary agriculture scope for FPO under the 10000 FPO Scheme. He informed the farmers about food processing. "Many food processing companies and MNCs are using this method to preserve and sell food." He said that while a farmer sells tomatoes at Rs 20-40 kg, ketchup is being sold at Rs 110-200 kg. "Mangoes cost Rs 80-100 and the pulp of it costs Rs 300-500 per kg, apple is sold at Rs 80-100 kg, but the pulp costs Rs 500-800 kg, moreover Amla is sold for Rs 40-60kg, while the murabba and candy cost Rs 250-300 per kg," he added. He advised that this industry requires packaging and marketing to get the desired rates.
Dr. Puja Gupta, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Raipur discussed about the Business Plan for FPO on Floriculture Products. "Dried flowers make it to amazing business for women. You do not have to grow flowers and dry them up, rather pick the leftover flower from marriage halls, parties, old bouquets, etc. Generally, women earn around Rs 9000 to 10000 a month in villages with this," she said. The catch is how to make these dried flowers useful and how to preserve them. She informed the farmers that they could store them between the newspaper leaflets or books and use them for craft activities.
"Generally, farmers are called poor, and helpless, but gradually changes can be noticed across the country including Chhattisgarh, said, Dr. Ajay Verma, Director of Extension Services, IGKV, Raipur. He also talked about the importance of water harvesting.
Many farmers received MFOI certificates and trophies for their accomplishments and innovations, while a positive response in MFOI registrations was received.
