In a significant step to empower local farmers and improve agricultural productivity, ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation recently inaugurated an Agri-Processing-cum-Custom Hiring Center at Khatar Gram Panchayat, Kalsi Block, Dehradun. This initiative aims to enable farmers to process their produce locally, saving time, reducing costs, and enhancing quality.
Dr. M. Muruganandam, Head of the PME and KM Unit and Coordinator of the SCSP and TSP programmes, highlighted the need to expand the center’s offerings by incorporating additional tools like grinders and small farming implements. This facility is designed to ensure accessibility to essential farm machinery, helping farmers boost their efficiency and productivity.
To foster community engagement and sustainability, a focus group was formed, involving households from nearby villages. Alongside, a core management group from farming families was institutionalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) facilitated by the project team. This collaborative approach ensures the center’s smooth operation and long-term impact.
The program also prioritized women's empowerment by supporting two Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with household essentials such as storage bins, spatulas, thermal flasks, and frying pans. Each household received an electric kettle and pruning cutter, while soap-making materials were distributed to enhance women’s livelihoods. Additionally, the team reviewed ongoing projects across six hamlets, including irrigation solutions, improved seeds, and training in farming practices and poultry farming.
A Custom Hiring Centre (CHC) provides subsidized access to agricultural machinery, enabling farmers to rent equipment they might not afford to purchase. With government support, CHCs have become vital to modern farming, integrating advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) for efficient operations.
The inauguration witnessed active participation from 50 farmers and farm women. This initiative underscores the importance of localized solutions and collective action in revolutionizing rural farming practices.
