The First Farmer’s Science Congress was inaugurated at the 107th Indian Science Congress in Bengaluru on January 6, 2020.
The Farmer Science Congress highlights the importance of farmer’s innovations and their scientific validity.
The 1st Farmer Science Congress was inaugurated by Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education & Director General Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
According to Mohapatra, it is for the first time in the history of Indian Science Congress that a farmer centric event has been organized, which is a big encouragement for the farmer’s community.
Dr. Mohapatra mentioned about the paradigm shift from production and nutrition security to doubling of farmers’ income by 2022. This shift in thinking was the result of a call given by the Prime Minister.
Farmers Innovation Fund and Innovation Centres
Dr. Mohapatra informed that Farmers Innovation Fund and Innovation Centres will be set up to encourage innovations made by progressive farmers.
To encourage organic farming, 45 types of organic farming systems have also been developed in niche areas.
Nano fertilizers and nano pesticides
Dr. Mohapatra also said that to reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers, ICAR are developing Nano fertilizers and nano pesticides to promote organic farming.
Arya Programme
To improve rural bio-economy and attract youth to agriculture, a programme named Arya is being implemented.
Till now over 5000 youth have been brought into this programme in which they have been trained to be entrepreneurs and begin a start up, Around 104 such startups are marketing processed food items,” he said.
About Farmers Science Congress
Farmers Science Congress was organized as a part of the ongoing 107th Indian Science Congress at University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru. Around 120 innovative farmers from across the country are participating in Farmers Science Congress and showcase their products.
