Participatory field visit-cum farmers’ interaction meet under Farmer FIRST Programme on 21st January 2026
The participatory field visit–cum–farmers’ interaction programme under the Farmer FIRST Programme (FFP) was organized on 21 January 2026 at Farmer FIRST Programme (FFP) cluster, Salipur, Cuttack. The programme commenced with a field visit at 10:00 AM, wherein the dignitaries Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata and Dr. Kalyan Sundar Das, Nodal Officer, FFP, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, accompanied by scientists from ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack; ICAR-IIWM, Bhubaneswar; and OUAT, Bhubaneswar, who visited the FFP demonstration plots. The team assessed the on-farm performance of demonstrated vegetable-based integrated farming system modules, comprising cauliflower, cabbage, tomato, and pointed gourd, implemented through scientific crop management practices.
The dignitaries expressed their satisfaction with crop growth, yield attributes, and overall field performance, highlighting the effectiveness of location-specific technological interventions under FFP. Special appreciation was extended to the women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for demonstrating value addition through mechanized paneer production, showcasing livelihood diversification and women empowerment through agri-enterprise development. Subsequently, a farmer–scientist interaction meeting was convened at 11:30 AM at Gopinathpur village, Salipur block. Dr. B. Mondal, Principal Investigator, ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack, presented a comprehensive overview of the achievements and outcomes of project activities implemented over the past five years, emphasizing technology adoption, capacity building, and livelihood enhancement. Dr. S. K. Mishra, PI, ICAR-IIWM; Dr. A. K. Patra, PI, OUAT, Bhubaneswar; Dr. G. C. Acharya, Co-PI, CHES, Bhubaneswar; and Dr. S. C. Giri, Co-PI, DPR, Bhubaneswar Centre, highlighted the discipline-specific interventions undertaken in the domains of water management, crop diversification, horticulture, and resource-use efficiency.
Dr. Kalyan Sundar Das, Nodal Officer, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, elaborated on the strategic objectives, implementation mechanisms, and technological backstopping provided under the Farmer FIRST Programme since 2017–18, and expressed his satisfaction with the synergistic efforts and performance of participating institutes and stakeholders. On this occasion, an Extension Bulletin entitled “Strengthening Farmers’ Livelihood Security through Farmer FIRST Programme: Experiences and Impact of CRRI-led Modular Interventions” was formally released by Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, along with other dignitaries on the dais.
In his address, Dr. Pradip Dey commended the progressive farmers for successful adoption of scientific vegetable production technologies, mechanization, and value-addition enterprises, as well as the diversified products displayed in the exhibition stalls. He emphasized the need for crop diversification, climate-smart agriculture, and efficient water-use practices, particularly under conditions of increasing water scarcity, to ensure sustainable agricultural productivity and resilience.
The constraints and field-level problems faced by farmers and farm women were discussed in detail and addressed through need-based technical advisories by the scientists present. Overall, the programme witnessed the active participation of 80 farmers and farm women, reflecting strong stakeholder engagement and contributing to the grand success of the field visit, monitoring exercise, and interactive session.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Shri Ashish Kumar Rout, Progressive Farmer from Ganapur village, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, scientists, participating farmers, farm women, and media personnel for their valuable support and cooperation.
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